LATEST FROM THE DUNSTAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 802, 13 April 1867, Page 8

LATEST FROM THE DUNSTAN.

(FROM OTTR OWN CORRESPONDENT )

Dunstan, Bth April, 1867.

The question of a water supply for the goldfields is one which sooner or later must engage the attention of our legislators, if the prosperity of the Goldfields is deemed worth perpetuating. We certainly have numerous creeks and rivulets running down from the mountains, which at first were thought to afford perennial supplies for the miners. The present dry summer has, however, dispelled the illusion ; many such sources are absolutely dry, and the consequence is, that a large majority of our water races, constructed at enormous expense, fail to supply their accustomed stream to the ground sluicer, and the result follows, that a very large number of men are consigned to involuntary idleness. It has oftentimes appeared to me, that the Government might follow the good example set them in Victoria ; and if they are not able to incur a direct outlay in cash towards supplying 1 the miners with water, they certainly might do something towards assisting the miners to supply themselves. For instance, there are many large and permanent streams, which have been scarcely tapped, except at very low levels for the purpose of taking water short distances ; but such streams are invariably able to supply large tracts of auriferous country, could the required quantity be drawn from their head waters. For instance, the river Lindis could supply the Dunstan and the greater part of the Manuherikia basin, were a race cut from it. But although many have thought about doing so, no one has made a beginning, as a survey would be not only difficult, but expensive. Then there are the Kirtleburn or Roaring Meg, and the Arrow. Both of these are very large streams, and would supply an enormous area of excellent sluicing country, could their waters be tapped at a sufficiently high level. But here, again, arises the difficulty — the want of a reliable survey, and the probable cost of constructing a race. Now it is a fact patent to every one possessing a knowledge of mining mntters, that the sole prosperity of the Goldfields depends upoa an efficient supply of water. I have no doubt, were that secured, many private persona would be induced to assist the miners in the construction oi such works.

The alterations made in tbe district of Alexandra, by clipping off Campbell's Gully and placing it in the Mount Benger district, has created a feeling of intense disgust at Lower Manuberikia. As the crow flies, Campbell's Gully may be nearer to Alexandra ; but such is really not the case, while, commercially, Mount Benger is a3 foreign a locality to Campbell's Gully as Kimschatka is to Dunedin. Campbell's Gully ha 3 heen always worked by miners from the neighborhood of Alexandra, who go there regularly for the summer months, and return again in the winter season to their homes ; filling up their time during the inclement season by working on the Molyneux. The tradesmen of Alexandra always supply , the place with provisions, they buy all its gold ; and I may say, that it ia their capital that keeps the place a-going, as to work a claim at Campbell's Gully, requires a large outlay, acd invariably, far beyond the means of the individual miner. To all parties, business merj, aad diggers, the change is one of great hardship, as to transact any official business, it entails upon them a journey of 60 miles, to Roxburgh and back. Then again, a line of snow poles and shelter sheds have been, erected at great cost, on the road between, Campbells and Alexandra, while to Roxburgh, supposing people went direct, there is nothing, and as a climax to the whole, the Government are now engaged repairing these poles and shelter sheds, and what lon earth can be the use of their doing so, [if the business of the place is driven I another way?