THE NELSON EXAMINEE, Thursday, September 29, 1864.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXIII, Issue 118, 29 September 1864, Page 2

THE NELSON EXAMINEE, Thursday, September 29, 1864.

Journals become more neceaaary as men become more equal and individualism more to be feared. It would be to underrate their importance to suppose that they serve only to secure liberty : they maintain civilization. Db Tocqubvillb, Of Democracy in America, vol. v., 230. The great importance of securing an adequate supply of water for the city of Nelson, without any unnecessary loss of time, must plead our excuse for recurring to the subject. Since the Loan Act, passed to authorize the raising of a loan of £20,000, with a view to supply Nelson with water, received the assent of his Excellency the Governor, it has been intimated to the Superintendent that the money required for the purpose might at once be obtained at a reasonable rate of interest, so that no delay, by reason of want of funds, need intervene, and thus postpone the commencement of the works. We have heard it stated, that it is the intention of the Superintendent to send the Provincial Engineer to Melbourne, there to examine the works by which that city is supplied with water, in order that Mr. Blackett may be the better able to direct the construction of those needed for Nelson. All that we have to say to this proposal — and we feel confident that Mr. Blackett will acquit us of any discourtesy to him in making such a statement — is, that we trust he will be enabled to take his departure for Melbourne by the very first steamer that offers. We

entertain no sort of doubt that Mr. Blackett j will do his work very efficiently; our sole anxiety is to see him authorized to set about it. Our anxious wish is to see the proposed waterworks in full operation as speedily as ] possible, not only on sanitary considerations, ! but also as a means for extinguishing fires. We do not want to see half of the city de- J stroyed, or to witness the ruin of any number of our citizens, through the snail-like motion of the Government in carrying out a necessary work, one which has been sanctioned by the Council, and approved of by tbe inhabitants of the city. The rapid increase of buildings adds still further to the danger which is hourly impending over us aud our past immunity from fire certainly constitutes no guarantee for our future safety. We understand that a question has been mooted relative to the source from which it is proposed that the city shall be supplied with water. Doubts have been raised whether the quantity of water which can be obtained from the stream at the head of Brook-street, would be sufficient to supply a city of large extent. As a mean of setting this question at rest, we have obtained from the Secretary of the Board of Works, the Eeport on the best mode of supplying the city with water, made for that body by Mr. Dobson, in 1859. In this Eeport, Mr. Dobson furnishes very satisfactory evidence that the quantity of water to be obtained from the Brook-street stream, would be amply sufficient for all the requirements of a population largely in excess of that which we may hope to see settled in Nelson for a long time to come. Mr. Dobson says, in his Report, that he constructed two weirs on the stream, for the purpose of measuring the quantity of water which could be obtained from it. It may be as well to allow Mr. Dobson to state the result in bis own words, more especially as such a course of proceeding will at the same time enab*le us to lay before our readers some additional particulars of interest. He says: — At the site selected and marked on the plan as " Site for Reservoir," I have had two weirs erected by the foreman and labourers in the employment of the Board. The lower, or 10 ft. weir, is in a rather rough place, and there lias been from the first a perceptible leakage, of which no account is taken, so that the quantity gauged as passing the overfall is not the total flow. The upper, or 6 ft. weir, is in a rather better situation, and did not show any perceptible leakage at first. The bottom of the stream, however, being nothing but slate shingle, these weirs, although put up in an efficient manner for the temporary gauging, cannot really intercept the whole flow of water, as no puddle was used in their construction. Quantities shewn by Gaugings. Upper Weir. Lower Weir. March 9.-246 cubic ft. per minute. 223 cubic ft. per minute. „ 12.-454 „ „ 412 „ „ „ 19.— Damaged . . .330 „ „ „ 25.— „ ... 160 „ „ There was rain on the 6th ; the increase on the 12th was owing to heavy rain on the 11th ; there were showers on the 17th, which prevented the water from subsiding ; the 25th was after eight dry days. In order to show the importance of actual gauging, I may mention that during the whole time the stream covered very much the same bed, even in shallow places, and presented much the same appearance, although two and a-half times more on the 12th than on the 25th.

I am not in a position to compare these quantities with the rainfall, and the area of the basin drained by the Brook-street stream ; neither would it be really useful to do so, unless careful observations were made for that special purpose. It is very important to remember that the Brook-street basin consists chiefly of the sides of mountains covered with birch forest, the effect of which is not only to prevent evaporation, but also to increase the rainfall by attracting and condensing passing clouds, so that rain is frequently falling there when it is perfectly fine below, or even in the open ranges adjacent.

Looking at the matter economically, it appears to me it would be far better to preserve, by such reserveß as might be necessary, the natural condition of this mountain forest basin, than to entertain the idea of forming an impounding, or storage reservoir, by engineering workß in the valley below. By an impounding or storage reservoir, is generally understood one capable of holding a supply for some weeka, in order to provide against dry seasons, when the natural flow is insufficient. A service reservoir is generally intended to hold a two days' supply, and its object is to allow any earthy matter to subside, and also to economize the sizes of the mains.

From my previous experience of the Brook-street stream, and. the gresent gaugings, I should suppose that the flow at the point chosen is, at the driest time, from 50 tc 80 cubic feet per minute. To establish this beyond doubt, it is necessary to place a permanent weir, and gauge it throughout two or three summers. This need not in any way retard the establishment of pipes for distributing the water, as the supply is ample. A flow of 50 cubic feet per minute is sufficient, without any storage whatever, for a population of 3,750 persons ; the same flow, with a reservoir capable of holding twenty-four hours' supply (450,000 gallons), is sufficient for a population of 22,500 persons.

Again, a flow of 8J cubic feet per minute, with a reservoir to hold a day's supply (75,000 gallons), is sufficient for a population of 3,750 persons. The above standard quantity of twenty gallons per day for each person, is sufficient for all ordinary towns, including not only domestic and manufacturing purposes, but also extinction of fire and watering of streets. The actual consumption of water per head in manufacturing towns, where it is supplied constantly without restriction, is about iourtcen to eighteen gallons per day, where there is a lai'ge trade consumption ; the consumption for domestic purposes being from five to ten gallons per day. As regards filling a reservoir, it will be readily seen from the gaugings, that the flow in two or three days after a few hours' rain only, is sufficient to afford a supply for sixty or seventy days for a population of 6,000 persons.

Prom the Eeport we gather, that at the end of summer, a season when a fall of rain is least likely to affect running streams, the ground being so dr y that it readily absorbs moderate showers, one hundred and fifty cubic feet per minute was the minimum quantity of water yielded by the stream in question, and Mr. Dobson expresses his opinion that from fifty to eighty cubic feet per minute is the smallest flow of water in the year ; and that this flow, with a reservoir capable of holding twenty-four hours' supply 5 is suflicient for a population of 22,000 souls. It will readily be seen, that by augmenting the size of the reservoir, or by constructing an additional one, we might easily command a supply of water amply sufficient for the requirements of a population far in excess of that which may ever be anticipated in a colonial city. In the evidence given by Mr. FitzGibbon before a committee of the Council, in the session of 186 1, that gentleman was of opinion that it would be necessary to construct a reservoir four acres in extent, and of

lan average depth of twelve feet, which would of itself contain a sufficient supply of .water for 7,000 persons for two months, jand this alone would, with the current supply, suffice for a population of j 50,000 souls. As we have already said, an I increased demand for water would only need an increase of reservoirs, for, as Mr. Dobson observes in the latter part of his Keport, '' a flow in two or three days, after a few hours' rain only, is sufficient to afford a supply for sixty or seventy days for a population of 6,000 persons. "

Puerile objections have from time to time been urged against tbe scheme of water supply for the city recommended by the Provincial Council, butthese hdvebeen treated with but little favour at the hands of the public. Proposals to convey water in tanks along the streets traversed by the Dun Mountain railway ; to construct a head, or reservoir in the city, on the banks of the Maitai, into which water might be pumped, and thence conveyed by hose in case of fire to the scene of action — these, and other equally notable schemes, the execution of which would prove to be as costly as it would be inefficient, do not commend themselves to the good sense of the public, who, with a really practical and efficient scheme in view for supplying the city with water, will not be drawn aside from its realization to listen to any Utopian half-measure which may be presented to their consideration. Nor will the public be deterred from giving their countenance to a sound practical measure, by a weak attempt to create alarm, founded on the accident which occurred some months ago tothedamoftheworkswhichsuppliedSheffield with water, causing such a frightful destruction of life and property. As well might we object to railway travelling, because carelessness sometimes leads to accidents on railwaylines ; or to venture at sea, because we occasionally hear of shipwrecks. It must be a weak case indeed for which no better argument can be found in support of it, than those to which we have just referred. We have not spoken of other sources of water-supply for the city, because we believe the Brook-street stream to be amply sufficient for all our requirements, both present and future ; but were it necessary to look for a further supply, it might be obtained from the Maitai, and, by drawing it from a distance of three or four miles above the city, water might be procured in a perfectly pure state, of excellent quality, and in any necessary quantity.

According to the average rate of the duration of human life, nearly three generations have passed away since that portion of America, commonly known as the United States, ceased to be a dependency of the British Empire. And yet men are still living, who were born before the American Republic had any national existence ; while as yet the " painter " was " uncut" — to use the favourite phrase of a well-known Australian legislator — which bound those colonies to the mother-country. It was on the 4th July, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was put forth, and only after a subsequent struggle of six years' duration, that the separation was formally acknowledged by Great Britain. If, then, within this comparatively brief period, a great commonwealth has assumed such gigantic proportions, the question is rather a startling one which presents itself at the present moment to our contemplation — Shall its rise and decadence be actually comprehended within the life-time of a single individual ? It has been the fashion with politicians of a certain school, to point to the American form of Government as a model of absolute perfection, and to uphold the superiority of its democratic institutions over the old monarchical systems of Europe. But it would require the history of the last three years and a-half to be unwritten, before we could unhesitatingly subscribe to such* an opinion : at the same time, we shall hardly feel inclined to agree with the conclusion arrived at by others, who think they see in the disorganization at present existing in America, a proofof the utter impracticability of a republican govern ment. True it is, that the antecedents of republicanism in the Old World are not very favourable. The attempt to Bubvert the old established order of things has always proved abortive, but the case may be widely different when no such revolution is required. One thing, at any rate, appears to be clearly revealed in the light of past events — that human passions vary little under every form of government. The history of our world hitherto has been little else than a mere chronicle of violence and blood ; and, had we no higher faith to cling to than that which can be built on human progress, truly we might readily despair of the regeneration of the world. The age of universal brotherhood seems as far distant as ever. Now and then a short period of peace and concord has intervened, which has been regarded by philanthropists as the harbinger of a happier future, but the sky has soon become overcast, and wars and desolation have again swept over the earth. The storms and changes which take place ever and anon in physical creation, are only too strikingly analogous to these recurrent convulsions which seem necessary in order to clear the moral atmosphere.

The American tragedy still lingers on the stage ; as if men were not yet ashamed of doing devil's work — not yet wearied with, defacing G-od's image in his creatures. The war is believed by some to be one of principle, and supposing it were all that its most enthusiastic advocates pronounce it; to be, yet no one, even the most sanguine amongst them, will venture to assert that the end justifies the means, or that so fearful an expenditure of blood and treasure could ever be compensated for by all that is being sought or won. In the annals of the past, war surely never put on so hideous an aspect, and we shudder to contemplate the progress of a conflict in which the victor and the vanquished are equally sacrificed.

The news which we received from America by the last mail would have been startling, if we were not already so satiated with, American sensations as scarcely to have any capacity left for wonder at any new turn which the war may take. The dark soil of Virginia has been once more reddened with the blood of its eons ; another Northern army has been gathered together only to " fall like grain ;" and the warriors of Vermont and Massachusetts have left their bones bleaching on more western battle fields. We may summarize the results of the month's operations, by stating that the fourth campaign in Virginia has ended iv the utter discomfiture of the federals at all points. General Grant, whom (at the end of June, aitur a series of bloody and indecisive battles fought in a circle rouud Richmond), we found near Petersburg, twenty miles south

of the Confederate capital, has, after a furious battle, which lasted for two clays, been compelled to abandon even this last position, and, with it, apparently, tho whole fruits of his dearly bought advance on Richmond. Having outmanoeuvred and beaten his obstinate rival, General Lee has once more assumed the offensive, and, passing by the Federal right, has carried the war to within six miles of Washington, capturing in his progress immense supplies of stores, intercepting the private communications of the Federal commander with Secretary Stanton, cutting telegraph wires, and destroying bridges. But the other day besieged in their own capital, the Southerners thus, in two or three weeks, apparently reversed the whole situation of affairs, and Washington was in greater danger than Richmond ever was. At another important point, too, in Georgia, -where the Confederates, under General Johnstone, were reported to be giving way before the superior forces of General Sherman, fortune has declared for the South.

Still later intelligence has reached us via California, to the effect that the Confederates, under General Lee, having left General Grant in front of Richmond, had made another successful advance upon Maryland, and had repeated the movement which the same able strategist had successfully executed prior to the battle of Gettysburg. A conspiracy had also been discovered, through the agency of the Provost Marshal General, extending throughout the Mississippi valley, and having for its object the separation of the North-western States into a distinct Confederacy. Many public men are said to be implicated in this organization, which evidently threatened very serious consequences. It cannot, therefore, be questioned that the signs of the times are very unfavourable to the North. Menaced with violence from without, and with dissension and treason from within, it needs no prophetic voice to declare that the end is approaching, and this may satisfactorily account for the withdrawal by Mr. Lindsay of his intended motion, in the' House of Commons, for the recognition of the Confederate States, which was mentioned in the intelligence which we lately received direct from England ; this step being regarded as the result of an implied promise given by Lord Palmerston to support the motion at a more opportune season. In conjunction with this fact, it is stated that Mr. Mason, the Confederate Commissioner, had recently an interview with the Premier, which was of the most satisfactory character. Gloomy as these tidings would seem to be as regards the prospects of the Federals, it must create some surprise to learn that the siege of Charleston was still going on, and that Fort Sumpter, which so proudly bid defiance to the murderous fire which the Federal batteries poured upon it many months since, was undergoing another destructive bombardment. Thus the indecisive struggle goes on ; what the South lacks in number, is amply made up for in heroism and superior military skill. Both sides seem to fight with a tenacity which betrays their Anglo-Saxon origin, and, moreover, a civil war is always a protracted one.

In the work of destruction the Yankee may freely boast, without fear of contradiction, that he can " lick all creation." A week's fighting goes on without intermission, and an army is lost, sufficient in numbers to have lasted throughout a campaign in days of yore. It is estimated that at least one million of human lives have been lost in this fratricidal war, and by far the greater proportion of this number belong to the Northern side. The expenses of the Federal Government have been swelled to an enormous extent, and it is said that there is not a single dollar left in the Southern exchequer. Our sympathies may flow with one side or the other, as the case may be, but our judgment can go with neither ; and we feel almost prepared to indorse the opinion held by some that the war is now being prosecuted from the basest of all motives — in fact that it is mainly carried on through the influence of contractors j speculators in gold, Government greenbacks, and other securities. President Lincoln may be as honest as ever, but it is too evident that the Administration has allowed itself to be made the tool of a party, and the advocates of peace are clamorously put down. There are, however, indications that the hottest of the Unionists are more disposed to listen to reason ; and in fact the gloomiest omens are looming on the horizon. The war party is said to have pronounced the conquest of the South a hopeless undertaking ; and even the New England States respond but coldly to the urgent call for more soldiers. The state militia — the last resource of the North — has been called out for service ; and negotiations for peace are even spoken of. Mr. Secretary Chase has resigned ; and the bubble of his paper finance is on the point of bursting. Secretary Stanton is about to follow his colleague ; and, most significant of all is the news that in New York, on the 13th of July, gold had reached a premium of 282.

In a work written on America some thirty years ago, the following remarkable passage occurs : — " Until that part of the Union which has a right to call itself free, shall separate from that whose fame and whose history rests, and will for ever rest, more on its reputation for slavery than on its claim to freedom, the Union must be a negative one. It is life and death bound up together j and if the courage, enterprise, and industry of the Eastern and free Western states would escape the rottenness that must inevitably spread if they continue thus linked together, they must submit to the mortifying necessity of lessening the map of their Federal territory. But when the servile vengeance preparing has done its work, the divided states may meet again and shake hands."

It is vain now to cherish the hope expressed in the last sentence : the separation of the North and South is unfait accompli. Prolonged hostilities will only serve the more fiercely to embitter the future to both of them. Even were the Federal arms to be now successful, the Southern States could never be held by right of conquest. Their paths must now be separate ; but, in the career of nations, there is nothing to prevent each from becoming great, glorious, and free.

The Seat of Govebnjient Commissioxebs. — The unfavourable weather which prevailed on Tuesday, the rain falling heavily during the early part of the day, necessarily precluded the possibility of carrying out the programme, which had been arranged with a view to enable the Commissioners to visit Richmond and Motueka, and return to town the following day. We believe that no additional evidence has been oll'ered to the Commissioners, Bince our last issue, in reference to the claims of this city to be selected as the future seat of Government. Should the weather prove more favourable to-day, it is intended that the Commissioners shall make an excursion to the Dun Mountain ; they will thus be enabled to take a bird's-eye view of the Waimea, which, as we have already stated, they were prevented visiting tins week. We beliuvu that no alteration has been made in the arrangements made for the departure of the Commiseioaers from Nelson for their respective destinations,