THE CHARLTON AND WAIMUMU DISTRICTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2437, 28 November 1900, Page 21

THE CHARLTON AND WAIMUMU DISTRICTS.

A large undertaking, which will probably he of great -value to the various dredges on the Charlton and Wainiumu Creeks, is being carried gut teays the Mataura Ensign) on behalf of Mr S. Fletcher. His object, which has not advanced very far yet, is "to 'bring in 20 heads of water from the Coneburn, Gordon, and Peel Creeks (all feeders of the Otarnete) into Croydon, the distance from the furthest intake being about 18 miles. The ,race will terminate on the ridge above the Croydon school, and from thence the water will be distributed over the various mining properties. The race ,will command the Waimumu and Charlton dredging fields, and will probably be utilised for sluicing along the terraces skirting the foot of the Hokonuis. The work, which has been designed by Mr Walker Johnston, surveyor, of Gore, is on a very substantial scale, and the cost will probably amount to £5000. As soon as the plans and specifications are ready the work will be commenced. The time limit for completing the work is to he-two years, but it is not expected to take so long as that. No very great engineering difficulties are presented, nor is it anticipated that much tunnelling will be lequired. Even though it is not likely that Mr Fletcher's race will be utilised to provide a water supply for Gore, the completion of the work should prove a great boon to the various dredging companies on the Chai-Jton and Waimumu Creeks. These streams do not contain sufficient water to enable all present and projected dredges to work tc advantage, and it has been realised for some time past that the supplies in the ciefiks named would have to be augmented from an outside source sooner or later.