CROMWELL NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 15343, 18 November 1913, Page 8

CROMWELL NOTES

The weather of late, following on a fine winter and favorable spring, is such as to gladden the- hearts of pastoralists, and almost without exception flourishing l-eports come to hand. Losses of stock during winter and lambs during the period of lambing were, in comparison with other years, practically nil, and, on the other hand, there has been a high percentage of lambing. Following this satisfactory record, shearing lias commenced, and big clips are predicted. Many of the small settlers, now have their wool on the way to the market, and the large owners will bo in full swing in about two weeks. And; above all, we have experienced more than an average rainfall, and, to express it mildly, the country is looking well. Those who do not give a question duo consideration always anticipate a headlong rush when any new venture is undertaken, and thus it is that many were becoming uneasy at the absence of any work in connection with the Cromwell Development Party's scheme. But there is no reason to doubt that work will be undertaken at an early date, a delay being caused awaiting legislation being passed, which was necessary before any titles could bo issued, and without these titles the party could not proceed. - In conversation last week with_ a gentleman conversant with tho details, some interesting facts wero disclosed. Tho channel by which a large volume' of water will be diverted for motive purposes will be a huge tunnel, 25 to 30 chains long, through a sound rock formation on the south bank of the Kawarau River above Kawarau Gorge. Below the inlet to this tunnel the river will be blocked, in order to raise the level, by rock-filling, and by means of this, and with the tunnel circumventing the rapids, a pressure of 45ft is anticipated. My informant anticipates that tho water will be avaiU able in the spring of 1915, and if this is the case, a large staff must necessarily be employed. The enterprise and enthusiasm of the party is applauded by all local residents, and there is no doubt their efforts will bo of immense benefit to this immediate ■ district, to Otago generally, and to the Dominion, for they are pioneering in one of the greatest essentials to closer settlement. The motor lorry imported some months ago by Mr Geo. Partridge, continues to accomplish very satisfactory work, and a trip from' Lowburn to Clyde _ and through on to Pembroke again in one day with five tons aboard is not uncommon. A local firm of carriers has now placed an order for a similar machine, which will be in commission early next year.—Own correspondent, November 17.