THE GOLDEN POINT WATER RACE, WAIPORI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 229, 20 June 1872, Page 7

THE GOLDEN POINT WATER RACE, WAIPORI.

The promoter of this undertaking, Mr. H. L. Squires, seeing that a large demand existed for water for sluicing purposes, on the south side of the Waipori River from Golden Point downwards, conceived the idea of bringing in a large race from the upper Waipori, near the junction of the Deep Creek. Assuring himself that the scheme was practicable, by taking a few flying level* 1 , (the ground having previously been roughly measured) he then employed the District Surveyor to make a detail survey of the line, which has been lately completed.

From information supplied by Mr, Adams, we give tbe following particulais:

The race is to be 3ft. Gin. wide at bottom, 4fb. Gin. at top, and 18iu. deep, and will carry 21 heads. Length of race from head to Butsons claim, near Golden Point, 19 miles ; from. Butsou's claim to Pilling's point, (the termination) about 12 miles. The race is to be brought in at a sufficient elevation to enable it to cross the saddle 6 miles or so beyond Dickson's, near where the road turns off the ridge to Waipori township. All Mitchell's Flat will thus be commanded by the race, and it might be turned into the wateishecl of the Waitahuna at a moderate cost. The fall varies from Bft. to 10ft. per mile, according to the nature of the cutting. This fall will be ample for such a large race, as the. larger the race, the less the fall required. A very favourable site has been selected for lifting the water, as a low dam is all that will be required, and it will not be affected by floods. The supply will be ample at all seasons, as the sources arc all snow-fed. At 5 miles from the head of the race, near the BonnJary Shepherd's hut, it is 112 feet below Butson's race, but i+> will gain 8 or 10ft. per mile on the race above as it goes on, as Butson's race being much smaUer, has a greater fall, about 16 or 17ft. per mile.

Butson's race is 2ft. wide by ISin. deep, and is to take water from Blackman's Gully to Butson's claim. Three miles of Butson's race has already been cut, leaving 8 or 9 miles still to be cut. I believe the proprietors of Butson's race hold rights which enable them to take water out of tho Waipori, but at a fall of 15ft. per mile, tho race could not enter the Waipori at less than 10 or 12 miles above Blackman's Gully, and possibly it might roquirj much more.

Mr. Squires proposes to commence near Golden Point, and to cut bade, and copious notes have been taken during the progress of the survey, as to the nature of the ground, the inclination, &c, so that a detailed estimate of the cost can be readily arrived at. With regard to the success of the undertaking as a speculation, it ia well known that all the spurs between Butson's claim and Waipori, and for 10 miles below are payably auriferous, wherever water can be brought to bear on them.

The proprietors consider the race would pay well, should it cost £2000 to bring it to Golden Point, but miners experienced in race cutting say £1500 would be an ample estimate. Once cut to Gl-olden Point, the extension would be easy, as the water would come in demand further along the course. The race could give a water power to the O.P.Q. for crushing, but would require to be flumed at considerable expense (or crossed in piping) oyer a saddle to operate at a level with the present pumping shaft.

Should an extension of the O.P.Q. be found on the Waipori side of the ridge, the race would be very valuable, as the only thing required to make the O.P.Q. a great success, is cheap water power.

The company is registered, merely to enable them to obtain Government aid, if required, as we believe they have no intention of offering shares to the public.