WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 173, 1 June 1871, Page 7

WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

(To the Editor )

Sir, — The most vital 411 'stion which should excite paramount inteiest in the minds of every one who desi.-es the prosperity of the province, undoubtedly is the above question. I purpose giving a few ideas in reference thereto, in the hope that they may help to create in the public mind more interest, and call forth more discussion on so important a matter than has yet taken place. It has often -occurred to me that the plan generally entertained, namely, that the Government should construct such works as may be necessary, and then let the water, is injudicious as well as incorrect in principle, for a larye per centage of the amount of money likely to be appropriated would be spent in preliminary expenses, selection of sights, surveys, &c. Two objects should be always kept in sight, namely, economy and reproductiveness. The plan I beg to suggest is that the money which may be allotted to this province should be distributed by locally appointed bodies in each mining district with, say, the Warden presiding. All moneys to be lent to companies who may undertake the construction of water races and reservoirs at the rate, of 30s. pet week to every man actually working, which would give him sufficient to live upon ;\ud buy tools. &c. ; money also to be advanced for the purchase of timber for Humimg or other materials necessary for the construction of flumes, &c. All mining property which may be carried on by Government aid to be held by a District Financial Committee until such advances have been liquidated with interest, when the property shall belong to the company, subject only to restrictions in the charge for water to non-possessors. In order that ni3 r ideas may be more fully understood, I will more minutely set them forth as follows :—lst.: — Ist. The Provincial Government to appoint, say, four of the most responsible persons in each miniug district of the province, over whom the Warden shall preside, whose duty will be to hear applications for Government aid, and grant the same upon receiving the written approval of the district surveyor ; also to see that the proper security is given all companies co pay interest on the money borrowed at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, one-fifth of the interest to be retained by the local finance committee for expenses, and four-fifths to go to the Government. 2nd. The Government to instruct the district surveyor to survey all lines of races which may be required, either free of charge or at a minimum fee pev mile. The surveyor to exercise his judgment and discretion respecting their feasibleness, general and per manent utility, &c. The surveyor tc have full supervision over all works being constructed by G-overnment aid certify in writing to the Districl Finance Committee his opinion regarding any new undertaking ; estimate the number of men required to con struct, in one year, any race or reservoir, or both, when performed by the same company ; and also give monthly reports of all works under his supervision, and any suggestions which might lead to the advancement oi mining enterprise. 3rd. All new companies who may intend to borrow money in the construction of a race or reservoir shall first apply to the surveyor, so that he may examine into the undertaking, and give his report to the finance committee, and declare the number of working members required for such company. Every company must appoint a manager, through whom all business must be transacted, and all companies should be registered in the usual way. 4th. The price to be fixed for a Government sluice head of water should not be more than £2 per week per head for the first three years, and <£1 thereafter. sth. AH payments should be made monthly to companies, and interest charged from the day of such advance. 6th. In case any dereliction of duty should occur from the non-payment of moneys by companies when in position to do so, the finance committee should have power to take possession and appoint a manager without incurring any legal expenses, and to hold the property until such liability becomes canceled by. the proceeds accruiug from the letting of such property, wher the property shall revert to the '"ginal owners.

I have only given a ha^y outline of ray views, and fear I <w e n ° w trespassed on your space t>° much for the present, but may he* 1 ** 61 ' resume the subject ; in the va/°- tin)e * trusfc sonic abler pen than w& e will elucidate the subject. — I aiu/ c> ' J / Wm. Ward.