THE ALEXANDRA-BONANZA WATER-RACE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13587, 8 May 1906, Page 3

THE ALEXANDRA-BONANZA WATER-RACE.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT. Mr J. Hayes, inspecting engineer to the Government' Mines Department, returned to town last evening from the Alexandra district, after making a reconnaissanco tour, extending over a week, in connection with tho proposed 'extension of tho Alexandra Bonanza water-race, recently purchased by tho Government. Tho main upper race of this latest Government acquisition discharges its water into a rooky gorgo at an altitude of • some 1200 ft above tho lower flats of tho Manuherikia River, noar tho Galloway Station, and at such an elevation effectively commands largo areas of auriferous ground, in tho 'direction of Alexandra on Ihe ono side, and Ophir on the other. To enable theso areas to bo worked, extensions to tho present high-level race will require to bo mado. and it is estimated that by their construction for comparatively .' short lengths, in each direction a demand will very quickly arise for fully as much ; water as the main race will carry, and ; thereby furnish employment for many years to a considerable number of alluvial gold miners. In addition to this the raco is a valuable asset, for irrigation purposes, and it is quite possible that tho water, after being used by tho diggers, may be utilised for the irrigation of the lower flats, which aro considered to bo eminently suitable for fruit culture. Tho above gives an indication of tho nature of Mr Hayes's recommendations to the Government as the result of his visit, and should they be acted on it is quite probable that, tho work as recommended will not bo unduly delayed in tho starting.