REPORT ON THE WAIMEA WATER-RACE, FOR THE MONTH ENDED 31ST MAY, 1879.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session I, E-06

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1879. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORT ON THE WAIMEA WATER-RACE, FOR THE MONTH ENDED 31ST MAY, 1879.

Laid on the Table by the Hon. Mr. Qisborne, with the leave of the House. The Manager of the Waimea Watee-bace to the Undee Seceetaet for Gold Fields. Sib,— I have the honor to report the month's water supply yery short of my usual quantity, and had therefore to put some of my customers on half allowance during part of the month, and others I could only give a few days' supply to, in order to supply their most pressing wants. There are now so many using night water that I find during this dry weather I have not any surplus water to store in the dam for the day. There are not many miners actually working at night, but many have lately made reservoirs to store the night water, and this plan prevents any waste of water for more than an hour or so at a time. The number of applications for water is on the increase every month lately; and ground that some time back was considered not worth opening or trying is now eagerly taken up and applied for in large blocks of two and three acres, and, I believe, with a bond, fide intention of working the ground. One claim of two acres, lately granted, has already a long tail-race constructed, and has applied for water, which I cannot at present supply. This want of supply to the late comers is rousing an unjust feeling against the old customers of two years' standing, who I consider have a prior claim to the quantity they first applied for, and have continued to take, irrespective of nationality. Some of the Europeans, however, think, or try to make themselves believe, that they have a prior claim to the Chinese, no matter how long the latter have used the water, and it is reported that a public meeting is soon to be convened to consider the matter, and to prepare a petition to the House against the Chinese getting water while Europeans are willing to take it. All this creates a belief in the lasting nature of the ground now opening, and the permanency of the district generally. Herewith please find balance-sheet showing receipts and expenditure for the month, also a copy of my detail journal for the same time, and an approximate estimate of the collateral advantages derived from use of water. I have, &c, J. Gow, O. Wakefield, Esq., Under Secretary, Gold Fields, Wellington. Manager. By Authority : George Didsbttby, Groyernment Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Trice 3d.]