A VISIT TO THE WAIPORI DRAINAGE CHANNEL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 345, 8 April 1874, Page 3

A VISIT TO THE WAIPORI DRAINAGE CHANNEL.

(From a Correspondent.) Mb. Editor, — In accordance with a promise made by me some short time ago to the effect that I intended to furnish you with a few particulars regarding this very important wort, I now venture to lulfll my intention. I shall not occupy your space with an extended description of the progress made, &c, but will briefly glance at a few items. At the beginning of the week, having a littlo leisure time at mj disposal, I thought ifc would be advisable to commence my task. 1 proceeded down the Flat — this being the shortest and best route — in company witJVMr. Arbucklo, pne of the sub-contractors, aud one or two other friends, reaching the desired spot in the course of an hour and a half. I was surprised to observe the number of dwellings that have been erected in such a short period j of time. There are scores of comfortable sod and thatch huts, calico tents, and one or two iron buildings, forming a township of considerable dimension. Mr. Joseph Cox has constructed a commodious store in the vicinity of the workings, on the east bank of the river, opposite the Lower Crossing, and is doing a capital business. In the course of the week, I am informed that Mr. Lomas, whose s'torc and dwcllinghouse was recently .. burnt down at the Lammerlaw, purposes to start a boarding house at the same place. I have not the least doubt in saying that this will prove a profitable venture. A great deal of grumbling appears to exist about the scarcity of fuel. The bush is distant about eight miles from the Channel, and the price charged for this commodity ranges from £3 10s. to £i. At present there arc only two bullock teams engaged in drawing firewood, and the proprietors appear to charge | as much as they possible can. This is one q£ the principal obstacles in the way of tire miner coming from a distance to reside at Waipori. Many dread the approach of a Siberian winter. They have been previously "reliably" informed that they will not be able to exist, owing to the intensity of the cold. Some peoplo who have seen snow lying on the Lnmmcrlaw ranges unite in forming erroneous opinions — scattering them broadcast over the length and breadth of the land — that the Woipori Flat is equally ns bad — in fact, they consider worse — than these ranges. I shall endeavor to erase this extremely "reliable" report from the minds of those who have been misinformed. I have been a resident of Waipori for the last nine years ; and, as yet, have never known the snow to remain ou tho Flat for a longer period than a day or two at the most. Q'ruo, it lies on the Lammerlaw ranges for a considerable time, but this mountain is a few miles distant from tho Channel. I have, no hesitation in stating that the Waipori Flat is as warm and as healthy as any port ion of Tuapeka. Thero nr© exceptional instances of the severity of weather, but the6e are very rare indeed. One individual had sufficient audacity to rcjnark in my presence that snow generally covers the ground to a depth of 3ft. on the Flat all winter. I cau assure him that he will have every reason t>j alter hie opinion in this before the winter season has terminated. No doubt one of the "reliables" was his informant. After crossing the river in a canoe, the property of Mr. Cox — tho principal portion of the workings, at present,, being on the western sido of the river, — I then proceeded to visit the 'Channel, where operntionsThave been commenced a short distance from 'the crossing referred to previously, and continuing ■to th© terminus below Q.uartz Beef Creek. The total length of the Channel is 4£ miles. It commences at Pilling's Point, and terminates about half a mile below the Pioneer -Quartz Reef Creek. Ifc comprises seven river diversions, which are all to be 40ft. in width at bottom, and the sides to vary according to depth. Thore is also one creek diversion — 0.P.Q.8.. Creek— which is to be 28ft. in length, and 12ft. wide at bottom. This diversion will be completed in the middle of the present week. The width of the Channel is sft., and averages Bft. in depth. A number of the river diversions are almost completed, and are being pushed forward rapidly. The work, generally epeaking, is in a forward state, taking iuto consideration the acaivity of labor, and the damage committed by floods. About three-quarters of a mile has been performed. The number of hands engaged is 70, although as many as 80 have been at work, but are always coming and going. Any number of men would readily fiiul employment. If no further serious damage by floods retard the progress ,of the work, the contractors are confident they will be finished in eight months from time of starting. In a future issue, I shall resume this Bubjecf, andfurther acquaint you with particiilai's of progress, &c., and also of the probability of gold being discovered in sufficient' quantities to recoup the Government for all necessary outlay. It would not be out of place to mention that the color of the precious metal has been found wherover triedyfor, although not expected so far down tho Flat.