WATER SUPPLY.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 792, 23 March 1871, Page 3

WATER SUPPLY.

(To the iltlilor of the Westport Times and Charleston Argus J. Sir, —Liddeli, as every ono knows, was the first in tlio district to apply for any large scheme to meet the requiremouts of a water supply. The Warden refused the application ; he .laughed at the idea; said it was a gorgeous affair, and that lie could not grant it without first applying to the Superintendent. Some time after Wangapeka broke out, and Mr Broad waß sent for. On his return Haines and Jackson, having shepherded Li - dell's scheme; applied, not as Liddeli had done, respecting prior rights, but actually to cut o'ff certain rights. In spite of all opposition, Haines and Jackson had their application granted. Since then Haines has bad £7OO of public money. What good has been done by it to the district ?—Not £SO worth. When the Superintendent camo to Charleston, Liddeli explained his grievances in open court, when Mr Broad admitted Liddell's being the originator of the scheme. The Superintendent told Mr Broad that bo must grant or entertain ahy other application cnaclo by Liddeli to recompense him. Has be done so ? More water is required; Liddeli cotnes to the rescue ; forms an influential company, able to bring a large supply into the district, and applies for 50 heads from the Four Mile and Fox rivers. But the application is not granted. Lid•dell applies ou March 6, 1871, when be is told by the clerk that Haines has not applifed, but is going to do. The notices are posted outside the Camp on March 7, 1871, and with them one for Haines, -Jackson, and Co., dated Feb. 28tb, to be heard on the 9th inst. At the heariug, Liddeli proves that the notices were not posted in due form; .that the line waa not. blazed ; and the application was not Ranted. Liddeli's case came oil' on March IG, 1871, when he produced two witnesses proving that the notices were posted, that the lines were cut, alicl that everything had been done in accordance with tlio regulations. Agtiin Mr Broad would r.ot grant Liddeli and Party's application until he had seen sofne of the government officials on the matter. Tke Council has to meet; Mr Vogol has to get the money fn England ; and then Government mean to provide a water suuply. In the meantime the mining community are to starve for want of water, or travel to pastures new. Now miners, is not this the time that you should take an active part in a matter so largely affecting your interest, in place of leaving it entirely to the manipulation of officials? Now is the time to act, when men are prepared to give you a supply independent of government assistance, and too I believe at about half the price at present exacted. Mr Dobson, District Engineer, says it will cost £15,000 to bring in one of the creeks applied for, therefore it is folly to think of waiting for Government to bring any water to Charleston.—Tours respectfully, Fair Play. Charleston, March 20.