HARNESSING THE MIST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19698, 26 July 1927, Page 12

HARNESSING THE MIST.

DEW PONDS AT CANBERRA

PROVISION AGAINST DROUGHT.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. J SYDNEY, July 14.

The fact that portions of Queensland are to-day in the throes of drought invests with special interest the consideration by the Federal Capital Commission of a scheme for the construction at Canberra of what are termed " dew ponds," to ensure ample provision of water for sheep and cattle during dry spells. "Dew ponds," while they are not uncommon on the English countryside, although it is difficult to see the necessity for them there, are something of a mystery to most Australians.

The dew ponds at the Federal Capital, which has its dry as well as very wet spells, are to consist of large excavations, the base of which will be covered first with a layer of calcium chloride, next with straw, and lastly with chalk. These ponds, in Great Britain, are remarkable for the fact that they are usually full during hot weather when other sources of water have become exhausted. They are known in some parts as "mist ponds." The general theory is that they draw their moisture from the dews and fogs. Experiments, it is stated, have shown fairly conclusively that the rise in level of the dew ponds has coincided with early morning mists. As Canberra, in the winter, is enveloped in mists and fogs which blot out the whole countryside, and as it is very dry in the summer, it is hoped that the idea will be practicable. If it proves itself, it will be as manna from heaven not only for Canberra but for other parts of Australia as well. No farmer will be without his " dew pond." It is a scheme, in short, to harness the fog and mists.