WATER-FINDING INSTRUMENT.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 448, 5 March 1909, Page 5

WATER-FINDING INSTRUMENT.

Concerning the water-finding instrument described in. The Dominion-some months ago, the New 'Zealand Farmer " sajrs.:—" The Department of Agriculture has received particulars of an 1 instrument which promises to

prove: of considerable value hi locating the presence ,of underground supplies of water. , It' is probable one will be secured , to test its value in this country.' Two have been imported by the Queensland' Government. The tinders: are highly finished instruments, enclosed in n leather case, which may be thrown over the shoulder as a camera might be carried. The instruments cost £50 each, and they are expected to work to 500 ft., but others are manufactured to work to 1000 ft. The finder .'is piaced on a small tripod, and in appearance it resembles a compass. The needle is pointed to the magnetic north, aiid the principle on which the instrument works is tho measuring of tho strength of the electrical .currents which are constantly flowing between earth, and atmosphero, anil which arb always strongest in the vicinity of subterranean, watercourses, the flowing waters of which, are charged with electricity to-a cer'tain degree.. .Tho needle, it,is said, will commence to'move, when over underground water, and the spot where the greatest raove- ; mont is obtained is where boring should, be commenced. It is pointed out that observations should" always be taken between 8 and 12 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m., these being the hours of tho greatest activity in the vertical currents. It is also advised that a fine clear day' should bo selected, as the instrument does not work so well when earth and atmosphere, are, saturated with moisture. The instrument does not work under trees, or in the immediate vicinity of iron structures,"