WATER SUPPLY.

North Otago Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1160, 25 December 1875, Page 2

WATER SUPPLY.

(To the Editor of the Nokth Otago Times.) Sib, — I presume " J. H." intends his effusion of to-day's elite for my special edification. As " J. H." refuses my challenge, I think it is very likely that he has failed to find anything in the Encyclopedia to enlarge his knowledge of hydraulic engineering, and, considering that the three letters he refers to gave no distinct data to go upon, being simply written in a carping spirit, making vague assertions, and merely showing the mulish propensity of kicking all round, I would not take the trouble to answer him bad he not mentioned James Brindley, an eminent engineer, who served his apprentice* ship as wheelwright creditably, before he turned his attention to canal construction. It is not at all unlikely but what parties who may have started with practical knowledge, without theory, as carters, then tried flaxdressing, next turned their constructive abilities to flour mills and boarding houses, failing in each, to the loss of their supporters and backers, might bare succeeded if they bad a Duke of Bridgewater at their back, to find the means to reap success at any cost. As I do not intend to " Hunt" for the gratification of " J. H.," I again challenge him to the combat. I am, &c, Thomas Sewxn. Oamaru, Dec. 23rd. 1875. P.S. — Few men ever succeeded in establishing the practicability of theory like James Brindley, in his canal construction.