THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 170, 11 May 1871, Page 6

THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — How is it that we never hear of the Government offering a bonus for a better supply of water for the goldfields of this province, while there are many instances where they have assisted other industries ? Were they to adopt such a principle in mining, the present depressed state of affairs on the goldfields would be the exception and not the rule, and it would be an incalculable benefit to the province generally. My impression is that were the Government to offer miners and capitalists, say for every hundred pounds expended on water for mining, a bonus of tif ty acres of land for settlement, interest and capital would be absorbed in and benefit the country, and mining and settlement would foster and support each other. Many practical ideas would present themselves if such a scheme was entertained by the Government. Again, if our goldfields members would assimilate their actions in the Assembly and Council with their pledges on the hustings, and direct a portion of that superabundant energy towards the interests of their constituents, which they bring to bear on the eleveuth commandment, their opinion would be more readily sought after by the Government, and we should feel a pardonable pride in having elected them. '— I am &c f , H. G. Claytox. Slue Spur, May Bth, 1871,