WATER WHEELS FOR MINING PURPOSES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 168, 27 April 1871, Page 5

WATER WHEELS FOR MINING PURPOSES.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — As the subject of Water Supply for the Goldfields is taking the attention of the public at present, I ask the liberty of a small space in your columns for a few remarks. I have no desire whatever to speak disparagingly of Mr. Thompson's scheme for raising water, as I believe it to be of grsat value ; but when we take into consideration the number of rivera in this province that are not of sufficient depth to place a current wheel into of such a size as will throw up a volivae of water sufficient for ground sluicing purposes, I would suggest the adoption of Graham's central water wheels, which is extensively used in America. It is quite simple in construction, and requires only from 1 foot 6 inches, to two feet fall to drive it, and back water has very little effect upon it, as it lies horizontal, and is placed in a round box by the side of the river ; and so long as the water passes in it must go through, whether the river be flooded or not ; and as the axle is perpendicular it can be made of sufficient length so as to place the forecpump above flood maf k. The power requisite to raise the water the height required could be ascertained, and the wheel made accordingly, or if nece33ary two wheels could be laid, so that thoy could be worke 1 either separately or conjointly. The only thing of the kind ever constructed in these colonies was at Melbourne, some years ago at the fills on the Yarra, to force the water to Sandridge for tile supply of the shipping in Hobson's Bay. There wore two of those -wheels constructed there, and when the tide rose it had very little effect on them ; and while thevMoJjrnaux^ui-the only river in, the proynce where the

! depth of water can be obtained to driv|^^| current wheel of the dimpniions requii-t^^H Graham's central water wheels are i\^H every way suitable for the shallow rf^H rivers such as the YVaiakaia, the JMatauia^H or the Manuherikia rivers, the3e river^H being too shallow for the current wheeL^B unless in some deep hole or gorge. .JJ|^H wheel being placed at the side orfcl^^H river, it is not likely to be injnred-in aij^^J way hy any floating timber th^BfJ^j^lj^B down during a flood. Their c6nst ru^^^H is so simple that 'any carpenter can ri^^^^l them, being a common water whv>l ui^^^H in a box. — I am &c, v "' James Sasdison. /H Waiakaia Bush, April 24. Jfe^fl