WATER SUPPLY FOR UPPER SHOTOVER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1476, 28 February 1880, Page 22

WATER SUPPLY FOR UPPER SHOTOVER.

Daring the recent Ministerial tour a deputation waited upon the Hon. Mr Rolleston and Mr M'Kerrow with regard to the construction of a water-race at the Upper Shotover, for the purpose of working numerous auriferous tern cms there. Mr F. Evans (says the local Mail), who appeared on behalf of a local committee recently formed, stated that the district wanted Govornmenc to construct a water-raoe, taking its Bource either from Skippers Oreok or from tho lefthand branch of the Shotover River — whichever might bo deemed most advantageous— to sluice the whole of the terraces At present they only aßked for a survey. The distriot had realised a large revenue, but had received uo expenditure hitherto. Mr MKemnv pointed out that the Shotover Terrace Company expended £30,000 and failed, but Mr Finn proved from a printed statement that £20,000 of that amount was paid for the mine and other expensed for getting up the Compaay, which moreover had not yet given up the idea of a race. He also noted from ibis statement that a thoroughly competent professional gentleman had estimated the value of gold in one of the terraoee alone at £140,000. MrMKerrow stated that a single gentleman had offered Government to construct the race if a oertain area was conceded. Mr Rolleston said that was better than Government mon-jy. Mr Evans Bald that an area oould not bo granted owing to the greater portion of terraces being already held under 1-aße. Mr Stratford remarked they wexe held only by ones and two?, Mr Evans oontended that this state of things could ba no other without a large water-race, whea all tho ground near it would be readily taken up by miners, and he atrongly urged for a survey. Mr Rollerton said that it was out of his department to grant a survey, but he would take a note of ihe matter, and Mr Evans should hear more from the Government about it. Mr ilvans then withdrew. '