TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 270, 18 November 1903, Page 1

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

An interesting reference to the utilisation of New Zealand's water power for generating electricity appears in the Public Works Statement, which points out that this country, being favored with a good rainfall, distribated fairly evenly throughout the year, possesses numerous rivers and streams having a steady and abundant flow of water. When, in addition to this, we consider that many of our rivers and streams have their sources in high altitudes, the conditions appear gener ally favorable for obtaining a constant supply of water. Reliable data as to the flow of our rivers, based on con tinuons records, extending over a num ber of years, is now available; and steps are being taken to gain information on this point in rivers where no natural reservoirs, such as large lakes, exist. It is essential, says the Statement, to know accurately the low water flow before undertaking the construction of costly works. It happens that while the rainfall records may be of service for many of the smaller schemes suggested, fo? the large schemes they give little or no information or help. In the North Island over 80 streams have been suggested. Of these the Wairua River Falls, north of Auckland, are conveniently situated in the centre of an isolated district The Huka Falls, on the Waikato River, are centrally situated, and from the favorable conditions they present a large supply of power can be got from them at small cost. In the S >utb Island over 90 streams and lakes are suggested. The streams and rivers of Marlborougb, Nelson, and Westland could in some cases be utilised for electrical generation in sections of more or less capacity were there any large demand in those districts for power. Propo3als are made to utilise the Waimakariri and the Rakaia. The country between Lake j Tekapo and Lake Pukaki is being examined. In formation is also being obtained regarding the scheme for tunnelling between Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Consider ably over 100,000 brake horse-power could be Obtained by damming the lake outlet. Other lakes and streams will no doubt be found to present favorable conditions for power generation stations. These observations will help to explain the importance of the visit now being paid to the Colony by Mr Han cock, the American expert.

There is a fortune for the man who discovers a better and cheaper method of dealing with the dost nnisanca than the common watering system, A few weeks ago a demonstration was given at the Crystal Palace, London, of a new preparation for laying tho dust, which has been named, affcor its inventor, "Westrumite." This is said to con sist of crude Texas oil so prepared as to render it miscible with water. " Wes trumite" in the proportion of 10 to 20 per cent., according to traffic and tbe nature of the road, is mixed with water and sprayed by means of a water - cart. This spraying, the inventor claims, need take place only from five to ten times a year in order to keep down all forni3 of dust. It is also said that " Westrumite " acts as a preservative of road material. At the demonstration a number of motor cars were rapidly run backwards and forwards along the Crystal Palace parade, usually a very dusty piece of road, which had been sprinkled with a 20 pep cent, mixture of " Westrumite" a week previously. Practically no dust was raised, and an examination of the road showed that the pre paration which, had been applied to it had caused the particles of dust to adhere together in what might be described as a film. The price of '• Westrumite " is £10 per ton, and the cost of applying a 10 pc? cent, solution works out at about a farthing per square yard. It is also claimed for the preparation that it is a disinfectant.