WATER SUPPLY FOR THE BLUE SPUR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 169, 4 May 1871, Page 6

WATER SUPPLY FOR THE BLUE SPUR.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — I am only induced to resume the discussion of the water supply question nftsr the pressing solicitations of " Leaseholder's " two letters — his first contained insinuating imputations so groundless that every one interested must be glad he has withdrawn them, on account of their personal character. The other portion of the same letter referring to the Government buying up existing rights and further augmenting the supply, I am at one with, only deferring my hopes ("however petitions are bucked up ") of that scheme ever being carried out, at least while there is a necessity for it — not that I think it would be a bad stroke of policy for any government, But, on the contrary, I believe it would have the effect of allaying the very prevalent feeling among miners of the utter disregard for their interests, and impressing them with a sense that justice was about to be done them even at the eleventh hour. Our politicians occupy the greater portion of their time in deliberating on party questions and on matters beyond their functions, and often to the prejudice of domestic reforms which would tend to develope the resources of the country. Such being the caso, " Leaseholder " must not run away with the idea that our politicians are waiting for opportunities to benefit goldminers, however wise the policy or just their claim may be. A local member may introduce the matter in the House in much tho same way as the abolition of the gold duty has been brought forward ; but were it a bonus to other local industries, or subsidy to. steam companies, I foresee no great difficulty in tho way of carrying it into effect. But to attempt one step in the direction of assisting a class of persons who are only considered recently civilised, and that through the indomitable exertions of W. H. Reynolds, Esq., would not be entertained, even supposing "Leaseholder" could prove that to the miners Otago is indebted for her prominence among the provinces of New Zealand. I took the liberty on a former occasion to lay before the public a scheme by which the claims on the Blue Spur can be supplied independent of the assistance of the Public Works Bill, at least to the extent of the present demand. I still maintain that amalgamation of all the water races on the Blue Spur, if effected ou equal terms, will benefit them, although not to the same extent to each party. And here let me remind " Leaseholder " that notwithstanding his obtuse remarks concerning the map of the Spur, the party in which I have an interest look in quite another direction for the benefits which will result front amalgamation. Regarding the map of the Spur, 1 think no argument necessary to show that we already have superior advantages than we would possess after our races were amalgamated. I advocate amalgamation with a full knowledge that T personally will derive great advantages therefrom, but not I alone — all interested will be benefited, I believe, to the same extent in proportion to their shares. Firstly. — A saving of some hundreds of pounds will be effected every year, and by united management large quantities of water would be utilised which now run to waste. Secondly. — The saving effected could be put to reducing the price of water or extending the supply by bringing the Beaumont into the head of the Tuapeka water races, along the line laid down by Fenton, or it would enable the miners to take advantage of the Public Works Act of the General Assembly, by their united action being brought to bear on the Government. Thirdly. — The initiation of a principal of amalgamation would lead to the amalgamation of the claims as they come near their boundaries, and will enable them to work more economically and without the intervention of the arms of the law. Assuming that all parties agive with me that amalgamation would be beneficial, and would be in favour of having it accomplished, as a first step I would suggest the appointment of a meeting of all parties interested, and agree to a basis and fix the prices, if possible, by private agreement, otherwise, by arbitration ; assessors to be appointed with the cousent of each party. That accomplished, the claim-bolders then form themselves into a company, either a private company or registered company, for the purpose of buying all the water races and securing to each claim sufficient supply of water in proportion to one another and with due regard to the available supply ; said water company to have power to extend or enlarge present races, construct new ones, make any alterations or additions which the requirements of the mining industry may from time to time demand. A reference to the quantities of water used by each party for the last year would give a pretty correct estimate of the requirements of all, and would decide the proportionate shares of each party in the new company. It may be asked what a party who acquires shares in the water company will do with their shares when their claim is worked out. They may sell, rent, or otherwise dispose of them to the best advantage. But I think the company will buy in shares for many year to come, as water will be used for raising -the strata under the

present bottom by machinery, and even the quantities used in each claim ; at present will gradually be very much, increased as the tailings rises to higher levels. But that question is unimportant when we come to the price and the annual expenditure of each claim for N water, which would be found to be equal in two years to the price of their shares in the water company, and I don'fc think any of the claims now at work can be worked out in twice that time, so that even if shares declined in price a little, it would be a profitable speculation. The only objections I can see at present to it is that it would ultimately deprive the people of Blue Spur of many a trip to Lawrence to obtain justice ; they would lose many profound legal discussions for which the Bar at Lawrence is justly famed ; but then on the other hand they would not have to pay for it, and seriously speaking, the expense is an important item. A reasonable man desires of course to obtain justice as inexpensively as he can, and the great cost of obtaining it in courts of law is a powerful reason to induce us to search for a remedy; by consolidating the properties into a united company, as encroachments and differences arise is the easiest method which reasonable and intelligent men can adopt. I conclude tliia rather lengthy letter with the hope that what I have been suggesting may soon be an accomplished fact. Thanking " Leaseholder " for his last letter on this subject, — I am, &c, W. D. Monmsox.