WATER POWER.

Western Star, Issue 13, 7 February 1874, Page 3

WATER POWER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As water power for various purposes may yet play an important part in developing the resources of this district, it may interest some of your readers to learn the mode in which that power is arrested and applied in the State of Michigan, U.S.A., and the question will naturally arise, Might not the Waiau and other rivers in New Zealand be similarly treated and utilised? —Yours, &c., X.Y.

“ The immense power furnished by the rapids and other natural advantages, has been utilized by the construction of a dam, and leading out of which are two canals, one on each side of - the river. The east canal is 2,600 ft. long, 140 ft. wide at the guai'd-locks, and 30ft. wide at the lower end. It was built originally at an early day to furnish passage for steamboats round the rapids. This idea was finally abandoned, and mills were built along its western banks, the water from their flumes passing out into the river at the rear of the buildings. This system of obtaining power was found to be so admirably adapted to the peculiarities of our river that a new dam was built in 1869, and also a canal on the west side. It is 100 ft. wide at the gates, and 50ft. at the lower end, being 3,300 ft. in length. A large proportion of the water privileges thus created are not in use at present, but new enterprises are , springing up every season —land sold and factories built along the banks of the canal.”