TUAPEKA WAT Bit SUPPLY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 160, 2 March 1871, Page 5

TUAPEKA WATER SUPPLY.

Notes of evidence taken before C. E. Maughton, Esq., Provincial Government Commissioner, at the Courthouse, Lawrence, on Friday, February 28, 1871. All the evidence taken was in answer to the following questions, drawn up by the Commissioner. These questions appeared in our last issue, but for sake of clearance we re-print them : - I, —What is t!.e principal character of the mining in the portion of the district in 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 the present Water Supply ; and if so, give an approximate idea of the area ? IV.— ls the Water Supply derived from artificial sources, in the hands of men mining their own ground, or is it, or any part of it, held as a separate property, and 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 source or sources from which water could be obtained to command it. If so, state locality or localities ; and, approximately, distance or distances ; quantity of water available ; and natnie of the country with regard to probable cost of construction of the race or races ? VI. -Having read Sections XXVI., XXVII., and XXVIII, of the Immigration and Public AVorks Act, 1870 ; do you think the proposed system of subsidising the Water Supply of the Goldfields is one likely to promote the interests, and consequently increase 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 hands of the Government ; the water being let at a minimum price per head to cover maintenance and expenses ; or can you suggest an other piacticable arrangement? VIII. --In districts where labour is scarce and dear, would it be piacticable to obtain 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 in water ? James Keppel, settler, in his evidence, said, in reply to question (I.) — The mining in tho district in which he resided was alluvial — chiefly tunnelling in the spurs along the west side of the Tuapeka river. (II.) -The supply of water is not sufficient for the present miners working there. lam aware that there is a large area of auriferous ground in the neighbourhood referred to, which the present water supply cannot meet. The extent of the ground I consider to be about 100 acres, extending all along the spurs of the river to the Mouth— a distance of about 12 miles — all payably auriferous if a sufficient supply of water were brought to bear upon them. The range of spurs referred to are contiguous with each other. (111.) — The water supply is very small, and all in the hands of men working their own ground. There is no supply from any permanent stream with the exception of two or three unimportant races. (V.) — I know a source from which water could be brought upon chose spurs. I allude to the Beaumont creek. The distance would be very little short of 50 miles, but as a considerable portion of tho country is flat, the construction of the race would be comparatively small. A race, to carry 15 heads of 40 inches each of water, or 600 inches, could be brought from there. I think the race would cost L6O per mile for construction. Such a race would require to be combined with

reservoirs. The Tuapeka river has not a snflicient fall to be brought to bear upon these spurs. I don't think water could be brought out of Gabriels Gully for the same reason, besides it might be required for the Gully itself. The Tuapeka basin would supply these spurs, but the water could not be brought from the Beaumont creek to that basin. If it could, it would be in a very indirect line. (VI.) — With regard to subsidising the water supply for the Goldrields at large, I believe in the Government subsidising it. 1 think it would increase the population. There are many miners who have not the means to construct races, and who would gladly remain in the country if they had the chance. The difficulty in getting a supply of water is caused by the principal sources being at present used, and the expense of bringing m other races being too high. Considering the especial taxation the miners are subjected to, I think they are deserving of some special Government Water Scheme for their benefit. (V[l.) — L am of opinion, that these works, when constructed, should remain in the hands of the Government for the benefit of the miners — at any rate for some considerable time. A fair price for a head of water of 40 inches, would be os. a day — that is with reference to the workings on the Tuapeka river. (VIII.) — It would be quite practicable to get the assistance of the miners in the construction of these water races — the men receiving sustenance money, and taking out the balance of their full wages in water. Such has been the custom in the Tuapeka district. T. F. Morris appeared as one of a deputation from a meeting held at the Blue Spur on Monday, 27th February. Before giving his evidence, he submitted the following resolutions which had bejn passed at the meeting : — (1 ) Moved by Mr. J. M' Kinky, seconded by Mr. J. Cor mack, " That the existing supply of waterisinsuffcientfor the district generally and the Blue Spur in particular." (2.) Moved by Mr. J. M'Kiulay and seconded by Mr. Thomas Hinds, " That the Tuapeka Basin is the most practicable and best supply in the district— (lß miles, Drummond's estimate, £12,000) (!).) Moved by Mr. T. Hinds, ami seconded by Mr. Trayes, "That the works, when constructed, should be let by the Government yearly, they fixing the maximum sum per head of water." (4.) Moved by Mr. Trayes, and seconded by Mr. Mills, '• Thrit each claim and race owner send a delegate to inset Mr. tLmghton." Question 6 carried unanimously. Mr. Morris's evidence was as follows : — (I.) — The ground is cement. (11.) — The present water supply is insufficient for the miners working on the Spur. After a washing up there is a scarcity. For about a week at Christmas time the water was running to waste, but I am not aware of the same having occurred at any previous time. For the last few months there have been many men out of work, and lots of the claims on half time during this summer for want of water. Generally in summer we are short of water, but there is a surplus in the win+cr, except in times of frost. I think the Blue Spur is better supplied than any district, but an additional supply would be advantageous. (iTl.)— There are 100 or 150 acres of auriferous land on Munros side and a considerable aroa on Gabriels side not worked at present. If thi Tuapeka Basin were constructed a much larger number of men would be empioj'ed at tho Spur. The water from the basin could be conveyed to the banks of the Tuapeka. (iV.) — The w.iteris derived from artificial sources, and is in the handd of parties mining their own ground, as well as in the hands of those who are not mining. The price for the Government head is £2 163., or £7 per 100 inches. (V.)— There are from 200 to 300 inches or seven to eight heads of water at the Beaumont Creek, which could be brought into the Tuapeka Basin. A race has already been surveyed by the Government from this river to the basin, and from thence on to the Spur, a distance altogether of twenty-five miles. The cost of constructing such a race for seven or eight heads has been calcuated to be about £2000, exclusive of reservoirs. (Vl.)— With regard to the policy of subsidising these works, I believe it would increase population and banish poverty. (VII.)— I think Government should retain those works in their hands when constructed, and that the water should be let at a minimum price to cover maintenance and expenses, but not the interest of the money. I believe 3s 4d a day per head would pay 12^- per cent, on the cost of constructing these works. Every ounce of gold taken out of the Blue Spur at present costs £1 for water. (VIII.) — I think it would he practicable if the Government offered liberal terms.

(To be continued.)