SHORTAGE OF WATER

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22193, 9 September 1937, Page 17

SHORTAGE OF WATER

EFFECT ON WEST COAST DREDGES

OPERATIONS MAY HAVE TO BE CURTAILED

Dredging on the West Coast may have to be curtailed or even stopped in some areas unless heavy rain falls within the next week. Since August 8 there have been 23 fine days recorded at Greymouth. and so far this month no rain has fallen. During August only 239 points fell, and for some weeks dredges have been dependent on the supplies of water in their dams rather than on creek or river water.

The Mossy Creek and Nemona dredges have a large st&rage of water, and their operations are not likely to be interfered with seriously, even if the weather remains fine for some time. The Mossy Creelc dredge has a large amount of water stored behind tailings, and on this supply the dredge has been able to continue full-time work. The Nemona dredge is in an even more satisfactory position, having an area of about 400 feet, which has been dredged to a depth of 28 feet. By working to one side of the claim on one week, and transferring operations to the other side during the succeeding week, thus allowing sediment full time to settle, it has been possible to maintain operations without difficulty. There is little or no water available in the Blackball Creek, and the operations of the Argo dredge are likely to be affected unless rain falls within a week or two. The Worksop dredge has not the same large storage as the Nemona and Mossy Creek dredges, and it is probable that the dredge will be in difficulties within a few days. At Barrytown, it is understood, operations are being impeded by the absence of water, but these difficulties will be overcome as soon as a new water race has been completed. The larger sluicing claims are not likely to be affected by the water shortage for some time, but prospectors operating in a small way cannot continue for long without adequate water supplies. The contractors removing the Brian Boru dredge from German Gully to near the Argo dredge, at Blackball creek, are having difficulty because of | the lack of water. It is desired to float the old pontoon, and two feet of water I is required before this can be done. The area round the dredge is very dry, and rain is urgently needed so that the work can be completed. The claim-holders have already obtained extensions of time from the Warden's Court to enable the dredge to be removed. There was no question of a power shortage, although there was not as much water available as he would like, said the engineer of the Grey Electric Power Board, Mr Sinclair Trotter. In Runanga, Kumara, and other districts, where residents depend on tanks for water, supplies are running low. ___________