Waio-Karaka Drainage

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2002, 4 June 1875, Page 2

Waio-Karaka Drainage

Meeting This Day.

A meeting was held ia the Governor Bowen Hotel, this afternoon, in connection with the drainage of the WaioKaraka. The time during which the award was made payable haying expired, the meeting was called by those specially interested, it being considered that an alteration in the scale of contributions was neceasaiy. There were present:— Messrs Walker, Kennan, Black, Eichards, Sims, Masters, Barker, andothers.

Capfc. Eichards was voted to tho chair. He said the object of the meeting was to make some arrangements for the contribution of mines on the Waio-Kar»ka Flat to the Bright Smile pump. He called upon Mr Kennan to speak on the subject. Mr Bichard Kennan said it was desired to give the cost of maintaining the pumps exclusively, without reference to sinking. A statement of the cost was prepared and they could judge whether the items were excessive. They did not wish to make money out of other companies, but if the pump was not supported, the Bright. Smile as regarded pumping would have to fall to the ground. Mr Whitford would read a statement of the costs; -; -''■■

The cost of pumping per annum was estimated at £4,403 2s The cost of sinking dry shaft, £656,16s ; wet shafl, £4,931 : 854 d.

Mr Whitford said Mr Graham had sent a telegram that he would have attended on behalf of the Crown Princess, but had missed the boat.

Mr Walker asked, was a joint assessment asked for the Pumping Association and. Bright Smile. ... : Mr Kennan answered that it was. The Pump would receive 30 per cent. of. whatever amount was decided upon. Mr Macky said what they come there, for was to endeavor to apportion among the mines the cost of the drainage effected by the Bright Smile Pump. „.■, Mr Whitford stated they had received up to the 30th April, £404, nominal, and £295 actually. The mines had paid £186 per month. It was shown that "the amount for the six months, according to the award, is only half the amount which the maintenance of the Bright Smile Pump entailed. Discussion arose as to the non-produc-tive mines. Mr Walker said it was an important question whether they should levy the same rate on mines that were not getting gold as those that were. Mr Macky said the company had not received half the amount of the contribution during the last six months. Mr Walker submitted a document authorising him to attend and report to his directors. He said he had produced it to show that he was authorised to act for the company as their,delegate. The Chairman suggested that the best thing to do was to come to some equitable arrangement. Mr Walker considered those mines adjoining the Bright Smile should pay a larger quota than those at a distance. The depth of the mines should also be a consideration.

The Chairman snd if the Bright Smile were to stop, the consequences to the field would be just as disastrous as. if the Big Pump had stopped last Saturday, as the greater number of tho best mines were in the Waio-Karaka district.

Mr Kcnnan suggested that the matter should be considered in a friendly spirit, and to leave the discussion till another meeting. Mr Kennan said the cost would be little among all the companies fairly apportioned, - and unless they received support, he was much ; afraid pumping would have to be discontinued. JNTone of of the mines had refused to pay, except the City of York, one or two gentlemen connected with which had done so. Mr Sam Turtle thought the Pumping Association ought to be satisfied with contributions this side of the Crown Princess, and that the 30 pet cent towards the Association should be discontinued The majority of the meeting rejected the suggestion. Mr I)ewar said the Government claimed the levy, and it; was upon the strength of the scheme introduced that the Grovernment had voted the £50,000 grant. Mr Fryer wanted to know why the 30 per cent, should be added to the actual cost of pumping. Mr Macky said the Pumping Association claimed 30 per cent., as doing', that much of the drainage of - th,eydistrict. He also pointed out that/tKev-'tJompany had been losing over £400&'in^ sinking a ''shaft fitted for drainage purposes." i;~ Mr Fryer said the original-arrange-ment was that 30 per cent, of the actual amount recived should be paid. ' ' ■ Mr Mackay remarked that the past arrangement had been unsatisfactory .and that a better one wa3 sought to be made.

The Chairman invited discussion.

The meeting then entered- into thequestion of contribution, soveral members making statements as to the amount of ocntribution they considered fair. r Mr Sims proposed that Mr Walker's scale of charges be adopted, and recommended for the consideration of the companies' delegates, who would- report thereon at a meeting on Friday evening. Mr Turtle proposed Mr Dewar's scheme. Seconded by Mr Fryer. Mr Walker's was a modification of the other statements, in favor of the poor companies. .

Mr Turtle withdrew his motion subsequently, and the Chairman put the original motion, which was carried — the only dissentients being Messrs Barker and. Fryer. The meeting adjourned.