FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS. (AUCKLAND.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1872 Session I, D-04

D.-No. 4.

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS. (AUCKLAND.)

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OE HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1872.

D.-No. 4!

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

No. 1. Upon the 24th January, 1872, the following Circular was addressed by the Hon. the Minister of Public Works to the under-mentioned Gold Mining Companies upon the Thames Gold Field: — Alburnia Pioneer Waiotahi Caledonian Ballarat and Clunes Brighton Golden Crown F.M.K. (late Chaldees) Tramway Prince Imperial United Service Goodall's Kuranui Gow's Criterion Middle Star Weston's Bull's Morning Star Brown and Campbell Atlas Shotover Herald Onehunga Una Manukau Hokianga Whau Moanataiari Halcyon Clarkson's No. 1 Sir Walter Scott Albert Commercial Wild Missouri Bleazard's Mora Macdonald Eose and Crown Peep o' Day Souter's Eussell Australasian. Gibbons' Imperial Crown (Circular.) Sib,— Public Works Office, Auckland, 24th January, 1872. It being of great public importance that the Government should obtain the fullest possible information with regard to the proposed water supply to the Thames Gold Field, and as that information can most efficiently bo supplied by those interested in the good working of the field, I have the honor to request you will be good enough to furnish me with replies to the enclosed questions as soon as you can conveniently do so. I have, &c, J. D. OSMOKD, To the Managing Directors. Minister, Public Works.

Questions enclosed. 1. What machinery do you mate use of, and for what purpose ? "What is its aggregate horse power, distinguishing between machines worked by steam and water power ? 2. For steam power, how much water do they use, and what is its cost at the mine or battery? 3. The proposed low-level supply is 130 feet above the sea, the high level 500 feet; what amount of water would you require, and would the low level supply you, or would the high level be necessarily adopted ? 4. Would you make use of water power instead of steam, if either of the proposed works were executed ? 5. What would be the money value to you per horse power per annum of a sufficient supply of water for power of per stamper for a supply of pure water for batteries ? 6. What is your present source of water supply ? Is it of good quality ? Is it constant ? If not, when did it fail, and for how long ? 7. Would a supply of pure water for the batteries increase the yield of gold per ton of ore ; and if so, how much ? 8. With a good supply of water would you be able to work ore which is not at present payable ? If so, to what extent, and where situated ? 9. What average yield of gold per ton will pay working expenses with the present water supply and appliances ; and what with water as the motive power, and pure water for batteries, not including the cost of water ? 10. Do you think the number of mines would be increased as the result of a good water supply ; if so, to what extent ? Would you be good enough to state your reasons for the opinion ? .11. Can water which has once been used for a battery be used again with advantage for a battery lower down ?

AWSWEES to these were received from the following Companies : — Una Q.M. Co. Flora Macdonald (Gibbons' Battery) Brighton Q.M. Co. Souter's Battery Sunnybank Q.M. Co. Middle Star G.M. Co., Brown and Campbell. and are subjoined hereto.

D.—No. 4

4

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

Mr. J. Gibbons to the Hon. J. D. Osmond. Una Q.C. and G-.M. Co., Eegistered, Sib, — Karaka Creek, Shortland, February, 7th, 1872. I have the honor to ackowledge receipt of your circular of 24th ultimo in reference to water supply for the Thames Gold Fields, and beg to submit the following replies to the questions therein contained. I have, &c, John Gibbons, Managing Director, Una Q.C. and G.M. Co., Eegistered. The Hon. J. D. Ormond.

1. Steam engine 20 horse-power, and water wheel 10 horse-power, the latter used only in winter, when it is then used or worked in connection with the steam engine; drives 26 stamps and 3 Berdans. 2. For ripple tables and'engine, about 1 sluice head, cost, £1 (the Government license). 3. The low level would be sufficient; 4 sluice heads would supply power and all other requirements. 4. Tes, if there were not too many mills above, to make the water unfit for the tables. 5. £10 per stamper per annum. 6. Karaka Creek. Good. Sufficient for all purposes except motive power; available for that purpose about six months out of the twelve. 7. We have a sufficient supply ; but the yield from many batteries, especially those low down the creeks, would be considerably increased by a supply of pure water. 8. With water power at a cheap rate, yes. We could get 150 tons per week of stone barely payable with steam power, situate on Karaka Hill. 9. Nine dwt.; with water power, 8 dwt. Note.—The Una ground is generally hard, with moderate thickness of reef. 10. I believe the number of miners would be increased, as ore or stone of less value would pay with water power. lam not prepared to say to what extent, but think the difference would be something very considerable. lam also of opinion that large powerful mills, even if driven by steam, on or near the beach, with improved communication with the mines, could crush as cheap or cheaper than the necessarily smaller ones up the creeks, driven by water. A further advantage and economy of power would be gained by the whole pressure being applied to the lower mills, as well as an additional one of having a large supply of pure water available for sanitary and domestic purposes. 11. It can be used again, but not with the same advantage as pure water. Water used in a series of mills that would utilize the falls from the high level, would be useless for the ripple tables after passing through two or three mills. It would be unfit for turbine water wheels, in consequence of the tailings and grit. John Gibbons.

Mr. J. Gibbons to the Hon. J. D. Osmond. Sic,— Shortland, Thames, 7th February, 1872. The earnestness which you evince in seeking information to guide you in the matter of the Thames water supply, the great importance of the undertaking to this field and Province, as well as a large personal interest in its success, is my excuse for troubling you with my views on the matter, further than answering the queries contained in your circular, otherwise I would not have had the presumption to obtrude my ideas on your notice. Water power is far preferable to steam power, all other things being equal. Water power may be as cheap as steam, even at two or three times the first cost of the latter. Water power, if not constant and reliable, would lose a great part of its value, and would not be generally adopted in preference to steam for mining or manufacturing purposes. I admit the great value of water power, but it must be from a constant and thoroughly reliable source of supply. A. stoppage occasioned by damage to aqueducts, races, or dams, would cause a stoppage to most of the mining operations on the field, were water adopted as the chief source of motive power. Contracts would unavoidably be broken, and, in some cases, mines abandoned for a time, at least until steam power were again adopted, and ruin would be the result to many mining companies amongst others. These may appear to be extreme views of the case, but to me it would appear an absolute certainty, if the high-level scheme is carried out as proposed. No one who has had anything to do with even moderate lengths of flume, or water-races, but must be aware of the constant expense of keeping them in repair, even under ordinarily favourable circumstances as regards the routes they traverse ; but when it is taken into consideration that the proposed route is over the roughest country, across ravines, and along side hills, almost certain to slip as sure as a track or any erection disturbing the surface is placed upon it, subject to bush fires and falling trees, damage from winter torrents and loosened boulders, but will agree with me as to the utter fallacy of the proposal, unless he be one who goes in for a large expenditure on public works without regard to the future. I feel fully convinced that, if the high-level scheme be carried out by a long line of flume, there will not in ten years be sufficient evidence of it remaining, except the cost incurred in its erection, to serve as a warning to future engineers. The same remarks will apply to the low level plan, if carried out in the same way, but the risks will be diminished in proportion to the square of the distances for the same size of flume. The larger flume necessarily required, and the heavier weight consequent thereon, will about equalize the risk in proportion to the length of the flumes. I do not wish to overthrow hopes built upon the plans and proposals of the projectors, but merely to point out the errors of them as they appear to me, based upon a long practical experience of water

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

5

D,—No. 4

as applied to motive power, and without any wish to underrate the immense value and importance of a large and permanent water supply to this field. The plan I would suggest is that adopted by water companies in California, and proved to be all that was expected or required. The printed extract which I enclose, and which is part of an article showing the failure and defects of the Victorian water supply scheme, comparing it with the Californian plan, will explain itself:— " Let us see how they manage similar pipes in California. A private company of miners have lately carried a pipe across a creek, similar to Back Creek except in depth and width, the Californian gully being upwards of 12,000 feet wide, and 1,050 feet below the inlet end of tho pipe, and 900 feet below the outlet, the pressure of the water being 385 lbs. to the square inch. The pipes are 30 inches diameter, and as the difference of level between the inlet and outlet is 15 feet, the velocity of the water, and consequently the volume discharged in a given time, is very great. The most remarkable thing in the construction of the Californian pipe is that it is made of malleable iron in sheets bent round, double rivetted in the longitudinal seams and single rivetted in the circular seams, each length being dipped in boiling asphalte as a protection against rust. From the lightness of these, they are cheaper than cast iron. This is not a mere experiment on the 'trial and error' principle. They were first used by the Spring Valley Water Company. After ten years' use the pipes are as good as when first laid down. The carriage of the pipes was a matter for serious consideration in a mountain region, and the projectors could not afford to waste any iron. They accordingly used light plates where the pressure was light, and heavy plates only where the pressure was great. No. 14 iron was used for the first 150 feet of pressure; No. 12 for 275 feet, No. 10 for 350 feet, No. 7 for 425 feet, quarter-inch for 800 feet, five-sixteenths for 850 feet, and three-eighths for 900 feet. The equivalent thickness of cast-iron for the greatest pressure would have been three inches, or eight times the thickness of the malleable plates. The pipe was laid in a trench five feet deep, and well covered with earth to protect it from changes of temperature, no failure being anticipated, and none having occurred. The way in which the work was done was worthy of the spirit in which it was planned. The Scientific Press says that ' tho pipe was made at the rate of 1,100 feet per day, giving employment to a large number of men. The punching and shearing was done by machinery expressly designed for this pipe, and worked as high as 30 tons of iron daily, 87,000 feet of pipe being manufactured and laid in place, and the water run through, in four months from the commencement of the enterprise ''." It seems hardly credible that the Americans, essentially a wood-working people, who apply wood to hundreds of purposes where others use iron, should see the advantage of using iron, whilst we, belonging to the largest iron-producing and iron-consuming country in the world, are content to adopt in our public works systems and plans obsolete with them many years ago, and use wood for our tramways and waterworks, at double the cost it would be to them. The advantages apparent to me in the Californian system, as applied to the Thames water supply, are perfect immunity from the accidents and contingencies before alluded to ; a supply of pure water for the town, for domestic and sanitary purposes and for fire ; a constant and reliable water power suitable for turbines or water engines, and battery supply ; a considerable saving in distance, as regular gradients would not be requisite ; a saving of the fall lost in the necessary gradient of flumes or races; a wider choice of route ; capability of extension to higher levels, if required in the future ; and a saving in the cost of construction —besides being an engineering work, if carried out properly, that would be a large source of revenue to the Government, and a lasting monument of its fostering care and foresight. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. John Gibbons.

Mr. J. Higgins to the Hon. J. D. Osmond. Sik,— Brighton G-.M. Co., G-rahamstown, 7th July, 1872. I herewith reply to your several inquiries respecting the water supply to the Brighton Co.'s Battery: — 1. 85 horse-power steam engine, driving 20 head stampers. 2. Only one-half sufficient water for present battery with power for driving 20 head more ; the present water cost, £25 per annum. 3. Three sluice heads from high level. 4. Water power is preferable. 5. £40 per annum per horse power. Batteries to receive the water after giving the motive power. 6. From the creek, not constant, and of bad quality. 7. Doubtless it would increase the yield, but how much I cannot say. 8. Pure water would materially assist in making our poor mines pay. 9. -J oz. per ton will pay working expenses in the present state; -k oz. per ton with water power. 10. I believe the numbers of mines would be doubled ; as to my opinion on this head, judging from the yield of large and continuous reefs in the present state nearly pays expenses, a slight increase from pure water would overcome the deficiency. 11. Water can be used to advantage lower down the creek for a motive power for two or three batteries. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. James Higgixs.

Mr. J. Brown to the Hon. J. D. Osmond. Sic, — Grrahamstown, Bth February, 1872. I received a circular from you requesting me to furnish answers to a series of questions on the water supply scheme for the Thames. The following are my answers : — 2

D.—No. 4.

6

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

1. Pans for grinding tailings requiring about 20 horse-power. Worked by water only. 2. Use a waterwheel only, using all the water in the creek. Pay £1 per annum per sluice head. 3. Being located at the bottom of Tararu Creek, neither schemes would be available. 4. Would make use of more water power if to be had, because my present machinery is adapted for it —but would only do so providing it cost per horse power the half of steam, because when a mill stopped the outlay in the case of steam stops also, with water it would bo continuous. 5. About £24 per annum per horse power. 6. Tararu Creek —first-rate quality ; fails in summer time for about six months. 7. The cleaner the water used the better, but only a very few batteries are using impure water, and those not losing so much gold as is generally believed. Believing with others that there must be a large loss of gold from the machines using impure water, I tried a large lot of tailings from three batteries, about the worst situated on the field for water, viz., the Moanataiari Company, Criterion Company, and Whau Company, with a view of making large purchases, but did not in either case make them an offer, the extra loss of gold not being sufficient to pay for tramway charges. 8. Would be kept constantly going, therefore would crush more stuff. 9. There would be only the difference of 1 dwt. or little more, as quartz could only be crushed three shillings cheaper by water than by steam, and that providing the water cost nothing. 10. J do not think the number of mines would be increased to any great extent, because, as a general rule, the yields from the mines are rich enough to pay for steam power, or are so poor that they will not pay for crushing at any price or even the taking out of the quartz ; and from the fact that at the busiest time on the field, quartz could not be had to keep all the batteries going constantly although the price of crushing was reduced as low as it was possible to do it with steam power, and the difference would be so little with water power that I believe those mines which cannot pay present prices will not pay any. Crushing is being done for 10s. per ton at present on the Hat at Grahamstown, but there is not quartz enough to keep them going steadily. Also, up to the present time the mills on the Tararu Creek, although having a good water power, have not been kept going constantly, half the machinery often idle for months, and with the power costing nothing. I believe, also, that where reefs are so poor as not to pay for crushing with steam power, that, if they would pay at all with water power, a very large plant would have to be erected to do so, the first cost of which would be as much as in erecting steam machinery; and experience on this field proves that where reefs yield so little a margin as only to be payable with water power and not with steam power, capitalists will rarely invest, the risk being so great that they will not even pay at all, and without capital a poor reefing country will never be worked. Even admitting that the high-level scheme is practicable, it could only be brought in at a level halfway between the Flat at Grahamstown and Punga Flat, and would therefore only be available for a district which is already well prospected or is being so, and is within easy distance by tramway of Grahamstown, where machinery is superabundant; and any new district the race might pass through is untried ground, or very dubious whether it may ever be a reefing country or not. I believe there are many mines that will be opened up that would avail themselves of water power if to be had considerably cheaper than steam power, but also believe that such mines would still be opened up even though they have to erect steam machinery. 11. Water is being used daily in batteries after haying been used in other batteries, and with no apparent bad effect, where the streams are large, such as the Tararu and Karaka Creeks; but in the Moanataiari and Waiotahi the supply of water is too limited, and requires to be filtered to be made use of. I have, Ac, J. Beown, Manager, Sunny Bank Mill, Tararu Creek. The Hon. the Minister of Public Works.

Mr. H. C. Gillespie to the Hon. J. D. Ormond. Sib,— Mora McDonald G.M. Co., Tararu, 12th February, 1872. I have the honor to forward annexed answers to your inquiries respecting proposed water supply for Flora McDonald Co., Gibbons' Battery, Tararu Creek. I have, &c, Henet C. Gillespie, Manager.

1. 30 stampers and 2 Berdans crushing quartz and grinding tailings, 16 horse-power engine, and 20 horse-power turbine. 2. Half sluice head ; cost, none. 3. Low level would answer; about four sluice heads for five months in the year, there being sufficient for driving all machinery with turbine for seven months in the year. 4. Water. 5. Value per stamper per annum £15 for five months in the year. 6. Tararu Creek, water good—end of September to date. 7. None required ; sufficient for purpose mentioned. 8. No; plenty in winter for crushing inferior quartz. 9. sto 6 dwt. and from 4to 5 dwt. with water; all the year for motive power. 10. In consequence of having water for seven months in the year, and sometimes longer, for more stampers than are now erected, and the present stampers being never half employed. 11. Tes, for motive power, but a small quantity must be cleaned for tailings. Note. —This battery has sufficient water seven months in the year for driving all its machinery with the turbine, and the other five months steam has to be used as auxilliary; consequently answer to queries are given subject to this.

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

7

D.—No. 4.

The machine proprietors on this creek have entered into an arrangement to bring sufficient water for all purposes, both winter and summer, from a creek called the Puru, which can be done at a reasonable cost. I am, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Heistey C. G-illespie.

Mr. W. Souteb to the Hon. J. D. Osmond. Answees to questions on proposed water supply. 1. 16 stampers, 3 Berdans, 3 Wheeler's pans and concentrator for crushing quartz and. grinding tailings, 16 horse-power steam. 2. About a half sluice head ; cost, none. 3. The low level would supply me. One 5-inch pipe and turbine. 4. I would make use of water. 5. The money value per stamper £22 10s. per annum, if constant crushing could be obtained. 6. Waiotahi Creek, quality bad; not constant since end of October to date, 31st Jannarv. 7. Yes, to a considerable extent, according to foulness of water and quality of quartz. 8. Tes, to the extent of 2 dwt. per ton ; Waiotahi Creek generally. 9. From 8 to 10 dwt., according to size of reef, and from 6 to 8 dwt. with water as motive power. 10. Tes, as from a number of the mines the cost of conveying quartz to the mines is from ss. to Bs. per ton, while the mills could be erected contiguous to the claims, thus saving the expense of carriage. 11. Tes, for motive power ; but a small quantity must bo cleaned for tables. I am, &c, William Soittee, The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Proprietor of Souter's Battery.

• Messrs. Brown, Campbell, and Co., to the Hon. J. D. Osmond. Sib,— Auckland, 7th March, 1872. In reply to your circular of the 24th January, on the subject of water supply to the Thames Gold JFielda, we beg to give subjoined answers to the several questions 1 to 11, given in the circular. Yours &c, The Minister of Public Works, Auckland. Bkown, Campbell, and Co.

1. 40 head of stampers for crushing quartz, and 3 Berdans for grinding tailings, driven by a 40 horse-power high-pressure engine; when there is sufficient water power available, driven by a 40 horse-power Schiels' patent turbine water-wheel; also, 2 pyrites concentrators, driven by a 3 horse-power water-wheel. 2. Two sluice heads of water, at 20s. each per anuum. 3. Twelve sluice heads would be sufficient for all our present requirements, and the low level ■would give sufficient fall. 4. Certainly, provided we had no other supply, and could get it at a reasonable rate. 5. A water power that would supersede steam would make a saving to us of about £1,000 per annum. 0. Our present source of supply is from the Tararu Creek, and is of superior quality when clean. It is constant for crushing purposes and for the supply of steam boilers, but there has not been sufficient for a full power for our battery since the latter end of October, 1871, excepting during occasional freshes, and then only for a very short time. 7. Yes, considerably ; but by far the greatest saving would be in the adoption of appliances for the recovery of the quicksilver used and the concentrating of the pyrites, which can be done best by pure water. 8. Yes, to an unlimited extent in the Tararu district. 9. This depends on the quality of the stuff crushed for the mines ; the difference between crushing with steam and crushing with water is about (2) two dwt. 10. To about 25 per cent. Many pieces of ground now remain abandoned on account of the difference between the price of crushing by steam and water. Many cannot crush at all for want of a power which the water would give. 11. Yes, but not to the same advantage, except for motive power.

Mr. ~W. Deake to the Hon. J. D. Okmond. Sib,— Middle Star Mine Office, sth February, 1872. I have the honor to forward the following answer to Circular from Public Works Office, dated Auckland, 24th January, 1872, for your information. 1. The Middle Star Battery, situated in Madman's Gully, a left-hand branch north-west of the Moanataiari Creek, 700 feet above level of the sea, contains a steam quartz-crushing plant of 8 stampheads, with an 8 horse-power engine, working up to 12 nominal. 2. Sixty gallons per minute ; original outlay for race, <fee, from £50 to £60 pounds sterling; to keep said race and tanks in repair per annum, about £20; at a yearly rental to Government, £1 sterling. 3. The high level of the " proposed water supply" is 200 feet below the Middle Star Battery, but the low-level adit of the above mine, in course of entrance to the workings, would enable us to make use of the water from high level (500 feet) by the removal of the machinery to a convenient site, and use the water as a motive power, by turbine —with greatly increased battery accommodation. The high level must necessarily be adopted.

D.—No. 4,

8

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

4. Would make use of water power by all means, if the " high level " were adopted. 5. The: present cost of firewood or coal is about £9 to £10 per week, but the money value would depend on the rate at which the water would be supplied. 6. Water supply at present is obtained from the Moanataiari Creek, and drainage from Madman's Grully ; of very bad quality, being excessively charged with sulphurous acid, which destroys both copper and iron that it comes into contact with—only constant in the rainy season ; has failed perceptibly since the timber has been cut down, and the lower levels have drained the surface water springs; fails all through summer months. 7. A pure supply of water would increase the yield of gold per ton, and to the extent of 4 dwt. per ton. 8. At present nothing under 12 dwt. would pay ; but could make 8 dwt. pajr with a good supply of pure water, and have thousands of tons on this mine that would yield the latter. 9. Twelve dwt. will pay with the present water supply (that is, in the wet season) and appliances; 8 dwt., not including cost of water. 10. The extent of workings in all mines that are opened, would be greatly increased by a good and constant water supply. But no fresh mines in this immediate neighbourhood would accrue, as all the available ground is taken up. The work just now is confined to the richest shots of gold, and the poor ground covered up, and the quartz wasted, on account of the expense of working and crushing exceeding the yield of gold, which would be, with a constant supply of pure water, worked to a great profit to the shareholders, and would considerably enhance the revenue of the country. 11. Certainly with ordinary care, and the use of settling tanks, and to save as much as possible the tailings from following down the tail-race. I have, &c, W. Deajte, Mine Manager, The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Middle Star G.M. Co., Registered.

No. 2. CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OP WATER FROM RUANG-ARU CREEK. The Hon. J. D. Okmohd to His Honor T. B. Gillies. Sib,— Public Works Office, Auckland, 27th January, 1872. I have been informed, on what seems to be good authority, that there is considerable doubt whether, at the point where the high level for the proposed water supply for the Thames Gold Field would start from, the Kauwaeranga Creek, a sufficient stream of water exists. As it is of the utmost importance that this should he ascertained on reliable authority, I should be much obliged if Mr. Millett, the Provincial Engineer at the Thames, would be allowed to visit the locality in question, and report upon the supply of water now available there. I trust that the importance of the question will sufficiently justify my asking your Honor's assistance in its immediate solution, and a report from Mr. Millet should immediately set any doubts at rest, as he has an intimate knowledge of the locality, and of the point from which the high-level supply must start from the creek. I have, <fee, J. D. Oemond, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. Minister for Public Works.

His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. J. D. Osmond. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 29th January, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 34, 27th instant, intimating that there is considerable doubt whether, at the point where the high level for the proposed water supply for the Thames Gold Eield would start from the Kauwaeranga Creek a sufficient stream of water exists, and requesting that Mr. Millettmay be allowed to visit the locality in question, and report upon the supply of water now available there. I beg to inform you, in reply, that your request has been complied with. I have, <fee, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Superintendent.

Mr. J. O'Neill, C.E., to the Hon. J. D. Oemond. Sir, — Princes Street, Auckland, Bth February, 1872. As acting Engineer for the proposed waterworks at the Thames Gold Fields, I have the honor to send you herewith copy of report by Messrs. Simpson and Winks, C.E., on the quantity of water available at the high and low levels, as gauged on Saturday, the 3rd instant, before any change in the weather had taken place. Messrs. Simpson and Wink report 7-f^ cubic feet per second, equal to 2,962^- gallons per minute at the high level, and 29^ cubic feet per second, equal to 10,906 i gallons per minute, at the low level. When the creeks were gauged by me last year, the quantity of water was far in excess of the amount I required. Considering the unprecedented long drought, it is not astonishing that there should be a great diminution in the flow of water, when the whole of this part of the country has been completely parched up. Such a continuation of dry weather might not again happen for a long number of years. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Public Works. John Jas. O'Neill, C.E.

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

9

D.—No. 4.

Enclosure. Messrs. Simpson and Wink to Mr. J. O'lSTeill, C.E. Sik, — G-rahamstown, sth February, 1872. According to your instructions, we have carefully gauged the flow of water in the " Kauwaeranga " and its tributaries, at the two proposed levels, and have the honor to report that the aggregate quantity at the high level is 7-fo cubic feet per second; on the low level we find 29 T V cubic feet per second. These quantities were taken on Saturday, 3rd instant, after an unusual spell of dry weather, and do not fairly represent the usual summer flow, which must be greatly in excess of this. It is some years since the streams were so low. I have, &c, Dan. Simpson, C.E. J. O'Neill, Esq., Princes Street, Auckland. Geo. M. Wink, C.E.

No. 3. REPORT ON THE THAMES WATER SUPPLY BY THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF. Mr. J. Cabetjthees to the Hon. J. D. Obmond. "Wellington, 25th April, 1872. Two schemes have been proposed for supplying the Thames Gold Fields with water for mining purposes —the low level and the high level races. Surveys have been made and estimates prepared by Mr. J. J. O'Neill, by which it appears that the low-level race would be nearly twelve miles long, and would cost £29,604, exclusive of distribution to the batteries; it would deliver 40 heads water at a height of 132 feet above sea level. The high-level race would be over forty-five miles long, and would cost, exclusive o/ distribution, £97,772 ; it would deliver 20 heads of water at a height of 500 feet above sea level. Allowing for distribution, the cost of the two races respectively may be taken at £33,000 and £102,000. On the 20th January last, much valuable information as to their requirements was obtained from the managers of most of the important mines, and a circular was addressed by the Hon. the Minister of Public Works, on 24th January, to forty-four owners and managers of mines, but only seven replies were received. Prom these data I have been enabled to form an estimate of the probable revenue. The great drawback to both schemes is the uncertainty of the water supply. In February last, there were only two heads of water available for the high-level race, instead of twenty, which are required. It is likely that this insufficiency of water will last for three months in the year, when the high-level race would not be able to supply water enough for the batteries, and the low level, though it would have enough for batteries, would not have enough for motive power. The construction of either of the races would not therefore enable new companies to dispense altogether with steam engines, nor the old companies to sell those they have. Low-level Race. There are at present 317 stampers at work which could be served by the low-level race, each requiring 1 horse-power, or in all 317 h.p. The supply proposed is 40 heads of water, equal to 40 cubic feet per second, or 2,400 cubic feet per minute. The total head is 132 feet, of which 32 would be lost in passing through the batteries, leaving 100 feet of total or 60 feet of effective head, equal to 275 h.p., when working under the most favourable circumstances. It is not likely, however, that more than half the batteries would adopt water power, or say 160 h.p. in all, so that when the race is full there will be an excess of power. Revenue. The main items of saving which would accrue to the mining companies by having an abundant supply of good water are as follows : —Fuel saved by using water power ; gold saved by pure water at the tables ; boiler repairs lessened by using good water. In order to estimate the revenue, it will be best to calculate the total saving effected under these heads, and then to assume proportion which could be collected as the share of the Government in the shape of water rates. Fuel. The consumption of fuel at the mines seems to be very great per horse power, due probably to the boilers being forced beyond their fair capacity; but Ido not think it safe to assume more than 15 lbs. per h.p., per hour. This would give for 108 hours per week, and for 160 h.p. (the probable power required), a total weekly consumption of 116 tons at 255. = £145. Gold. The increase in the yield of gold from a ton of ore, due to pure water instead of foul being used on the tables is estimated by different managers at from 1 to 5 dwt. It is noteworthy, however, that those who estimate 1 dwt. have already a good water supply, while those who estimate 4or 5 have at present a supply described either as bad or very bad. As the greater part of the batteries commanded by the low-level race either use sea water or could easily do so, it will be only prudent to take the lowest estimate of 1 dwt. per ton of ore. 3

IX— No. 4.

10

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

The engines now in use crush, or are capable of crushing, about 300 tons per diem, or 1,800 tons per week, which, at 1 dwt. per ton, gives 90 oz., at £2 10s. = £225. Boiler. The water at present used for boilers is very bad, and causes a heavy expenditure for repairs, as much in one case as £200 a year for a2O h.p. engine; but as the Province of Auckland has just completed a water supply for the town which will furnish pure water for boilers, no large revenue can be expected from, this source —say 17 companies at ss. per week, £4 ss. There will be further savings by the use of water in general management, but they will be uncertain and not of great extent, and it will be safer not to take them into account; there therefore remains only the proportions of the above which could be levied by the Government as water rate. Fuel. —Owing to the uncertainty of water supply, it is not likely that more than a quarter of the total saving could be collected, and this only for 40 weeks in the year. £145 £ s. d. x4O weeks ... ... ... ... ... =s 1,450 0 0 4 Gold. —Perhaps half of this saving could be collected. £225 X 52 weeks ... ... ... ... ... = 5,850 0 0 2 Boilers. —£4 ss. X 52 weeks ... ... ... ... = 178 10 0 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... = 104 10 0 Total revenue ... ... ... £7,583 0 0 Of the total cost of the race, a sum equal to £28,000 will be for timber works, which cannot be expected to last more than nine or ten years ; there will therefore be required a renewal fund of £2,200 per annum. The annual expenditure will be as follows : — £ s. d. Eenewal Fund ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 Maintenance, 12 miles at £20 ... ... ... ... 240 0 0 Management ... ... ... ... ... ... 760 0 0 Total expenditure... ... ... ... ... £3,200 0 0 Total revenue ... ... ... 7,583 0 0 Profit, at over 13| per cent. ... ... ... £4,383 0 0 It will be remarked that over 77 per cent, of the expected revenue is from water required for the tables. Now, it appears from the evidence of all the managers who have spoken on the subject, that sea water is as good as fresh for the purpose, and many consider it better. The total quantity required for 317 stampers is only 3,170 gallons per minute, which would have to be raised an average height of 30 feet. A3O h.p. engine (actual) with a duplicate engine in case of accident of equal power, would be able to pump this quantity from the sea at a cost of probably less than £2 ss. per million gallons ; while the revenue above expected is equal to £5 10s. per million gallons. In order to compete with a company proposing to supply in this manner, the Government would have to halve their rates for the table water, which would reduce their revenue from £7,583 to £4,658 (-|5=£2,925), reducing the profit to less than 4£ per cent. Out of the whole 317 stamps, 140 are within 10 or 12 feet of the sea level, and it does not appear to me likely that these companies would use water from the race for their tables. Should they not do so, a deduction of £2,583 must be made from the estimated revenue. This would reduce the profit to somewhat under 5-g- per cent. High-level Race. There are at present 363 stamps at work which would be served by the high-level race, or only 46 more than by the low level. The total power required to work them is 363 h.p. It is proposed to bring in 20 heads of water, which, with the available fall, would give more than the power required. Of the total 363 h.p., not more probably than 200 h.p. would adopt water power as supplementary to the steam, and the revenue estimate will be formed on this supposition. "Water power would be available for say 40 weeks in the year. There are required for the tables 3,630 gallons per minute, or 9i heads. During the summer months not more than 2 heads can be depended on, so the mines will have to trust to their present supply at the season when this is at its worst. The revenue estimate is made on the supposition that the full supply will be available for 46 weeks in the year, and half the supply for the remaining 6 weeks. This would require that the water should pass through two sets of tables. Sevenue. The estimate of savings on the same data as for the low-level race will stand as follows: — 'Fuel. —200 h.p. for 108 hours per week at 15 lbs. per hour=l4s tons at 255. = £181 ss. Gold. —The engines now in use crush, or are capable of crushing, 363 tons a day, or 2,178 tons a week ; this, at 1 dwt., gives 2,178 dwt. = 108 oz., at £2 10s. = £270. Boilers. —21 companies, at ss.=£s ss.

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

11

D.—No. 4.

The revenue derivable is as follows, following the same data as for low-level race : — £ s. d. £ s. d. Fuel 181 5 0 x4O weeks ... ... ... ... 1,812 10 0 4 Gold 270 0 0 x 46 weeks ... ... ... ... 6,210 0 0 2 Gold 135 0 0 x 6 weeks... ... ... ... ... 405 0 0 2 Boilers 5 5 0x52 weeks ... ... ... ... 283 0 0 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 165 10 0 Total revenue ... ... ... £8,866 0 0 Expenditure. A renewal fund of £8,000 will be required to meet the decay of timber work to the value of £94,000, as in the case of the low-level race. £ s. d. EenewalFund ... ... ... ... ... ... 8,000 0 0 Maintenance, 45 miles at £20 ... ... ... ... 900 0 0 Management ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,000 0 0 £9,900 0 0 Eevenue.;. ... ... ... ... ... ... 8,866 0 0 Loss ... ... ... ... ... ... £1,034 0 0 Interest on-£102,000 at 5 percent. ... ... ... 5,100 0 0 Total yearly loss ... ... ... ... ... £6,134 0 0 The same contingencies as to competition with a Pumping Company, and as to the low-lying batteries not using the water, apply to this race as well as to the low level. Should either of these contingencies happen, the yearly loss would be increased to £9,059 in the one case, and to £8,717 in the other. In the above estimates no account has been taken of new mines being opened when the supply of water is improved, or the present mines extending their workings, thus increasing the revenue without increasing the expenditure of the races. Undoubtedly there would, be some increase of work at the mines, but the amount of it must be purely speculative. The most sanguine of the managers who has expressed an opinion on the subject, thinks the number of mines would be doubled; the less sanguine think that the present workings would be extended, but that the number of mines would not be increased to any extent. It will be well to examine the result if the extreme opinion that the work would be doubled proved correct; assuming, also, that all the companies, both old and new, used water from the races both for motive power and the tables. This will show what, in the opinion of the most hopeful, might occur. Low-level Race. On supposition that work at the mines was doubled by increased facilities duo to the supply of pure water. Horse power available ... ... ... ... ... ... 275 Stamps at present at work... ... ... ... ... ... 317 Stamps if work were doubled ... ... ... ... ... 634 Revenue. £ s. d. Fuel— As 160 h.p. : 275 h.p. :: £1450 : ... ... ... 2,452 0 0 Gold, former quantity doubled ... ... ... ... 11,700 0 0 Boiler „ „ ... ... ... ... 357 0 0 Miscellaneous ~ ... ... ... ... 209 0 0 £14,758 0 0 Expenditure ... ... ... ... ... 3,200 0 0 Profit at 35 per cent. ... ... ... ... £11,558 0 0 HIGH-ItETEIi EACE. On supposition that work at mines was doubled by increased facilities due to the supply of purewater. Horse power required for double present number of stampers ... ... 726 Number of stampers at work at present ... ... ... ... 363 Number of stampers if work were doubled ... ... ... ... 726

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

D.—No. 4,

12

Revenue. £ s. d. Fuel— As 200 h.p. : 762 Lp. :: £1,812 10s : ... ... ... 6,570 7 6 Gold, former quantity doubled ... ... ... ... 12,420 0 0 Gold, „ „ ... ... ... ... 810 0 0 Boiler, „ „ ... ... ... ... 546 0 0 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... ... 208 12 6 £20,564 0 0 Expenditure as before ... ... ... ... 9,900 0 0 Profit at rate of over 10 per cent. ... .. ... £10,664 0 0 In the case of threatened competition from a Pumping Company, as before explained, the profits on water supplied to tables would be reduced one-half, or by £5,850. This would reduce the total profits on low level to £5,708, or 17 per cent., and on the high level to £4,814, or about 4f per cent, (assuming the competition to extend only to the batteries within 130 feet of sea level.) Stjmmaey.—Low-level Eace. The profits which may be expected from this scheme are as follows : — 1. On supposition that the batteries on the beach will use the water, and that there will be no competition from parties pumping sea water: Profits, £4,383, or 13^ per cent. 2. On supposition that such competition arises : Profits, £1,462, or 4f per cent. 3. That no competition arises, but that the companies on the beach do not use the water: Profits, £1,800, or 5| per cent. Of these three suppositions, I consider the third the most likely. Should the works at the Thames become much extended, there is little doubt but a Pumping Company would be formed ; but in that case the profits would be more increased by the increase of business than diminished by the reduction of rates. On the whole, I consider the scheme as one sure to pay a fair return, and likely to become very profitable. Hian-LEVEL Eace. With the amount of work which it is at all likely can be done for many years to come by this race, there would be a loss of from £6,000 to £9,000 a year; and even on the extreme supposition that work would be doubled by the increased facilities which the construction of the race would give, there would be a profit of only about 4| per cent, in the face of the competition which would be sure to arise. It is possible that higher rates could be levied than I have estimated, although I do not myself think so. The opinion of managers of mines as to the value of water per stamper is very discordant, due of course to the difference in the quantity and quality of their present supply of water, and to the expense of carting fuel to their engines. The highest value estimated is £40 per stamper for both motive power and tables for a battery with a supply of water bad in quality and insufficient in quantity ; the lowest is £10 per stamper for a mine with a supply of good water sufficient for the tables at all seasons, and for motive power during half the year. My estimate works out to about £19 per stamper, and will probably be found to err on the side of being too high rather than too low. I have, &c, John Caiuiutheks, Engineer-in- Chief. P.S.—I have received a letter from Mr. N". P. Carver, of Shortland, in which he proposes to bring a supply from the Kauwaeranga Creek, at a level of 100 feet above sea level or 30 feet below the lowlevel race. The 130 feet race begins just above the junction of Hihi Creek with the Kauwaeranga, and the 100 feet race just below it. As this creek had during the dry weather of February last, a supply of 5 heads it is of great importance to make use of it. The number of stampers which would be cut off from the water supply by lowering it from 130 to 100 feet would be fifteen. It is unlikely that any material difference in cost, revenue, or expenditure would arise from lowering the race 30 feet, so the remarks above made about the low-level race may be considered as applying to Mr. Carver's scheme. The advantage of getting 5 heads added to the supply during dry weather is so great that it would be well worth examining the scheme should a low-level race be adopted. _________________ J. C.

No. 4. Mr. C. E. Hattgiiton to Mr. O'Neii/l. Sib,— Grahamstown, 26th April 1872. I am instructed by the G-overnment to request that you will, at your earliest convenience, undertake a reconnaissance survey of the dividing range between the Upper Tararu and the Kauwaeranga River, with the view of ascertaining the practicability and extent of a water race between the above-mentioned river and the head of the Moanataiari Water Supply Co.'s Race, and I should wish your report to include an estimate of the tunnelling probable to bo required, and approximately of the quantity of water which may be obtained in dry seasons from the several available sources, detailing the same, along the Kauwaeranga to the intersection of the proposed extension with the main branch of that stream. I have, &c, C. E. Hattghton, J. J. O'Neill, Esq., C.E., Auckland. Under Secretary for Gold Fields.

D.—No. 4,

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

13

No. 5. Mr. C. B. Haughton to Mr. Millett. S IHj — Grahamstown, 3rd May, 1872. As I believe you have a general knowledge of the proposed schemes for water supply to the Hauraki Gold Field, respectively designated the " High" and " Low" levels, I should be much obliged if you could afford me information of the approximate quantity of water which would, in your opinion, be available for each in ordinary seasons, and what quantity you may consider was actually available during the last summer. I have, &c, C. E. Hatohtos-, The Provincial Engineer. Under Secretary for Gold Fields.

Mr. E. Millett to Mr. C. E. Haitghton". Sib,— Engineer's Office, Thames, 6th May, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 3rd inst., and in reply beg to state, as regards the "High Level" water scheme, the quantity of water gauged by me at its head during the last summer was 2 cubic feet per second, equal to two regulation sluice heads. The quantity available for the " Low Level," as taken at the head of the proposed race, was found to be 7 heads, or 7 cubic feet per second, and at a point below the head of this scheme, the quantity of water which could be obtained was found to be 29 heads, from which must bo deducted the Hihi, a tributary of the main stream, flowing in from its southern watershed. This will leave 24 heads for the low level, and by taking up the Hihi by a flume across the river near the head of the low level, the waters of the Hihi can be diverted, and made available as part of the supply, thus making the low level to commence with 7 heads from the main stream, and 5 from the Hihi, in all 12 heads, in the driest season. The remaining 18 or 20 heads can be obtained from tributaries along the course of the proposed race. During three-fourths of the year a much larger supply can be obtained from either the low or high level, but I have given you the minimum. About 20 chains of additional Burning (2 ft. by 1 ft. 6 in.) would be all that is required to connect the Hihi with the low-level scheme. I Lave, &c, C. E. Haughton, Esq., E. Millett, Under Secretary, Public Works Department. District Engineer.

No. 6. Mr. J. J. O'Neill, C.E., to Mr. C. E. Hattghton. Water Supply, Thames Gold Fields. Sib,— Auckland, 7th May, 1872. I have the honor to enclose to you a report by Mr. Daniel Simpson, C.E., in connection with the water supply for the Thames Gold Fields. I intended to have gone over the ground myself, but was prevented on account of having to attend to the Kaipara Extension Railway Survey; I therefore put the matter referred to under the charge of Mr. Simpson, a gentleman of much experience and well acquainted with the country, and who recently accompanied me to the sources of the high and low level supplies on the River Kauwaeranga. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Gold Fields. John Jas. O'Neill. P.S. —I will forward a copy of the report, as requested by you, to the Engineer-in-Chief. J. J. ON.

Enclosure in. No. 6. Mr. D. Simpson, C.E., to Mr. J. J. O'Neill, C.E. Sib,— Grahamstown, Bth May, 1872. In accordance with your instructions, I have examined the country lying between the Moanataiari Water Race and the watershed of the Kauwaeranga, with a view of connecting them. For a distance of three and a half miles, the course would be along the watershed of the Tararu; at this point a tunnel of about 63 chains would enter the dividing range in a deep gully formed by one of the feeders of the Tararu, and open out on the opposite side in another gully formed by a branch of the Maungarahu, a main tributary of the Kauwaeranga. From the mouth of the tunnel a flume of about GO chains would reach the stream of the Maungarahu at a sufficient elevation. From this point the route traverses the ranges on a contour line having the same general direction as the high-level survey of the Kauwaeranga, but at an elevation of about 600 feet above it, and from 1,000 to 1,200 feet more northerly. At this elevation many of the branches of the main tributaries of the Kauwaeranga are lost, as they take their rise at a lower elevation, The length of the route from its junction with the Maungarahu to the main stream of the Kauwaeranga would be about twenty-three miles, and, including the tunnel and thence to the end of race, four and a half miles, or a total length of about twenty-seven and a half miles. The surface of watershed commanded by this level would be less than one-half commanded by the Kauwaeranga high level, and less than one-third of the low level. At the time of our survey, which was made immediately after a very heavy fall of rain, the whole of the branches and creeks were full, and it is fortunate for any calculations as to the permanency of these streams, that the late dry season called attention to the greatly diminished supply to be obtained from them in summer. 4

D.—No. 4.

14

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

From data collected with great care by several parties, who differed very little in their calculations, it was found that, during the late dry summer, the water collected from this gathering ground (including also the Hihi, which drains a large portion of the south side of the Kauwaeranga), at an elevation to deliver in Grahamstown 130 feet above high water, did not exceed 29 cubic feet per second. At an elevation to deliver in Grrahamstown at 500 feet, this ground furnished, from all sources, 8 cubic feet per second. As the proposed supply would have to be collected from the same ground at an additional elevation of 600 feet, the supply would be very small if the same diminished proportion was maintained, which there is every reason to suppose would be the case. As an instance of the varying supply, I may mention that, during the last summer, the Maungarahu, at its junction with the Kauwaeranga, was gauged by me, and was running 2jr cubic feet per second; this stream, on my last visit, at a distance of several miles from its junction, and at an elevation of more than 1,000 feet above it, was delivering nearly the same quantity. Prom experience acquired on the Thames Gold Field, it is evident that any system of water supply demanding more than 30 cubic feet per second, at a greater elevation than 130 feet above high water in Grraliarnstowri, must be dependent on storage reservoirs ; but the cost of forming and maintaining reservoirs at the elevation of the Moanatairi fiace would be very great compared with the supply to be obtained at that elevation. I have, &c, J. J. O'Neill, Esq., C.E. Daniel Simpson.

No. 7. ■ REPORT UPON WATER SUPPLY, THAMES GOLD FIELD, BY UNDER SECRETARY, GOLD FIELDS DEPARTMENT. Mr. C. E. Haughton" to the Hon. J. D. Oemosd. Sir,— Public Works Office, (Gold Fields Branch,) Wellington, 15th May, 1872. In accordance with your instructions, received by telegram at Wellington on the 16th A/pril ultimo, to proceed forthwith to the Thames, and " make careful inquiry both respecting the high and low level schemes, and also as to the third proposed supply suggested by Mr. Whitaker," I left the next day for Auckland, and having visited the Hauraki Gold Field, and made such investigation and inquiry as, under the circumstances, were possible, I have the honor to report as follows : — The High Level, The high-level scheme is altogether out of the question, for the following reasons : — (a.) It would afford an insufficient supply of water. This point may be considered as satisfactorily disposed of by the report of Messrs. Simpson and Winks, C.E's., enclosed under date Bth. February, 1872, in a letter from Mr. J. ,T. O'Neill, C.E., to the Minister for Public Works, and the letter of Mr. Millett, District Provincial Engineer of the Province of Auckland, to myself, copies of which are appended hereto. (S.) Assuming that during a certain portion of the year there would be a sufficient supply of water, the cost of construction of the race under this scheme would be entirely out of proportion to the probable benefit to be derived from carrying it out. Mr. O'Neill's estimate is £97,772, and this is exclusive of the value of the land which would require to bo taken ; and it must be borne in mind that, under any circumstances, the mere width of the race would not be sufficient. The great length, again—forty-five miles —-would, in so rough and thickly timbered a country, necessitate very large annual charges for repairs, especially to the fluming (calculated at 420 chains). Some portion or other of the race would be from time to time under repair, and a consequent stoppage of machinery, dependent for motive power upon the water, would ensue. I may observe that great inconvenience has been experienced, during the late heavy rains, through the injury to existing races by land slips and falls of stones, which, owing to the loose nature of the soil, are of constant occurrence upon the ranges. It is hardly necessary for me to state that a supply of water for motive power to crushing batteries becomes practically useless when, from any cause whatever, it is periodically intermittent; and upon this point I should call especial attention to the very lucid remarks of Mr. Gibbons, an experienced quartz miner, the manager of the Una Gold Mining Company, who, in his letter accompanying answer to circular of 24th January, 1872, says, — " Water power, if not constant and reliable, would lose a great part of its value, and would not generally be adopted in preference to steam for mining or manufacturing purposes. I admit the great value of water power, but it must be from a constant and thoroughly reliable source of supply. A stoppage occasioned by damage to aqueducts, races, or dams, would cause a stoppage to most of the mining operations upon the field, were water adopted as the chief source of motive power. Contracts would unavoidably be broken, and in some cases mines abandoned for a time, and ruin would result to many companies. These may appear to be extreme views, but to me it would appear an absolute certainty if the high-level scheme is carried out as proposed. No one who has had anything to do with even, moderate length of flume or water-races but must be aware of the constant expense of keeping them in repair, even under ordinary favourable circumstances as to the routes they traverse; but when it is taken into consideration that the proposed route is over the roughest country, across ravines, and along hill sides almost certain to slip as sure as a track or any erection disturbing the surface is placed upon it, subject to bush fires and falling trees, damage from winter torrents and loosened boulders, but will agree with me as to the utter fallacy of the proposal, unless he be one who goes in for a large expenditure on public works without regard to the future. " I feel fully convinced that, if the high-level scheme be carried out by a long line of flume, there will not, in ten j^ears, be sufficient evidence of it remaining, except the cost incurred in its erection."

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

15

D.—No. 4,

The managers of batteries and other gentlemen connected with the field, whom I met upon two occasions in conference upon the general subject of water supply, with the single exception of Mr. Grove, concurred generally with the opinions expressed by Mr. Gibbons, and in considering that the objections above stated were fatal to the success of the high-level scheme. The Low Level. The low-level scheme, or a modification thereof, would afford a sufficient supply to be of essential value to the field, and the works can be constructed for a sum of money within the limits of what might fairly be apportioned, under " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," to the Hauraki Gold Field. It may fairly be computed that, even at the most moderate rental suggested by battery proprietors for the use of the water, a remunerative return upon the capital invested will be received by the Government. I have caused to be prepared, and have appended hereto, a complete tabular return, up to Bth May instant, of all steam and water nominal horse power used for crushing, reducing, pumping, and winding upon the field; also, a table showing the steam power used in the manufacture of mining plant, and the nominal horse power of engines in course of erection. The sketch plan also appended shows the position of every battery and machine-house, with numerical reference to the tables, and their position as to the high and low level schemes respectively. It will be seen at a glance that the very large majority of these are commanded by the low level, and are in a position to avail themselves of water power from that source. In the course of my inquiries 1 addressed myself very particularly to the question as to how far the water supply, if brought in, would be likely to be made use of; premising that the Government would expect that the outlay should prove remunerative, and that no burthen of expenses or interest should be thrown upon the Colony. The whole amount of motive power available under the present specification will not probably exceed 340 h.p., calculating the delivery at the average estimated quantity, with a fall of 110 feet (182 feet is to the sea level), and this, I feel sure, would be at once taken advantage of by batteries at present in work. Although no specific amount was named by the battery managers, as to what would by them be considered a fair rental for the water, I am inclined to think that a calculation of ss. per stamphead per week might be taken as an average, which, reckoning roughly a stamphead to a h.p., would produce a revenue of £4,420, or over 15 per cent, upon the cost of construction of the race, according to the estimate of Mr. J. J. O'jSTeill, C.E. The saving effected by the use of water as a motive power is so very important, that there exists in my mind no doubt whatever that, up to the extent of 1,000 h.p., any supply available would be continuously taken advantage of. In illustration of this I append a memorandum furnished by Mr. John Gibbons, showing the estimate, —considerably under the mark, I have reason to know, —of the working expenses of a 30 h.p. engine ; and the saving which upon this basis he calculates would be afforded to the field by the introduction of the low-level scheme. Mr. T. W. Walker, the manager of the All Nations Gold Mining Company, was also good enough to furnish me with an estimate (appended hereto) of the probable revenue derivable; but I think his totals are based upon the calculation of a larger quantity of water than, would be available under the present specifications. The question, however, of the work proving sufficiently remunerative, is, in my opinion, settled beyond all reasonable doubt. Modification of the Low Level. I now come, in due course, to the various modifications of the low-level scheme, which were submitted to me, and upon which, as they practically involve questions of engineering, I do not feel called upon to offer any specific opinion. The first is that of Mr. Sims, the Engineer of the Caledonian and Imperial Crown Gold Mining Companies, whose proposal is simply to adopt'a level somewhat higher than the low level, and to use iron piping, as in California, for the whole distance. I append his memorandum upon the subject, together with the resolution, approving of the scheme, which was adopted by a public meeting of local engineers and mine managers. Mr. Millett, the Provincial District Engineer, an officer of very considerable experience in these matters, proposes a modification again of this; and, judging unprofessionally, his plan appears to me very worthy of consideration. It is, briefly, to bring the waters of the Hihi Creek into the low-level race by means of a flume over the Kauwaeranga, thus obtaining five additional heads of water. As to construction of the main race, he recommends the use of iron pipes for the last four miles, where it will pass through private property, and heavy compensation will be probable for taking through a wide, open ditch. His memorandum is appended. Next we have a scheme proposed by Mr. Carver, which, I believe, has already been laid before the Chief Engineer. I thought it advisable, under the circumstances (Mr. Carver having been employed in Mr. O'Neill's survey), to submit his proposal to that gentleman, whose remarks will be found, with Mr. Carver's letter, appended hereto. From an unprofessional point of view, I can see no advantage from this modification of the low level, whilst the construction of so large a storeage reservoir, with a 50-feet dam, would clearly be very costly, and not without serious risk of future accident. Third Proposed Supply. The third proposed supply suggested by Mr. Whitaker, appeared to me of so very important a character, if practicable, that I availed myself of your authority, and instructed Mr. J. J. O'Neill to undertake a reconnaissance survey of the line of race. Being personally engaged upon the Kaipara Eailway works, Mr. O'Neill intrusted the matter to Mr. D. Simpson, an experienced engineer and surveyor, thoroughly acquainted with the country, whose report is appended for your information. The scheme, without doubt, is practically impossible, with any consideration for supply or expense; but the cost of the survey has been well repaid by the question being definitely set at rest, and all misapprehension upon the subject removed.

D.— No. 4,

16

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

The Furu Scheme. At the first conference held by me with the managers of batteries, and other gentlemen/it was suggested by Mr. Steadman that the Puru Creek would be available for a thirty-head supply, at the level of the Wild Missouri Claim, 350 feet above the level of the sea. Upon inquiry, I found that this scheme had been some time ago promoted, and a survey of a portion of the line of race executed. I accordingly placed myself in communication with Mr. George Beere, who had conducted the said survey, and he was good enough to furnish me with the report and plan annexed hereto. It will be seen that neither line of race indicated would answer the required purpose, the supply being entirely insufficient, and the construction of a very costly reservoir indispensable. General Remarks. I have appended the reports from the Thames Advertiser, which are substantially correct, of the meetings held by me with the battery managers and other gentlemen, upon the 30th April and 7th May respectively. It will be seen that great desire is expressed that no time should be lost in initiating some scheme of water supply, which may have the effect of reducing the cost of motive power to the batteries, and consequently the expense of crushing to the mining companies. I believe these results will be coincident; and although the supply which will be afforded by the low-level scheme is not sufficient to meet the absolute wants of even that portion of the field commanded by it, yet it will form a great boon as far as it goes, and may hereafter be supplemented by supplies from other sources, should it be found, as I confidently expect, to entail no pecuniary burthen upon the Colony. In conclusion, I have to express my sense of the great kindness and courtesy which I met with in my inquiries from the officers of the Auckland Provincial Government. His Honor the Superintendent took the greatest interest in the matter, and gave me letters to the Provincial District Engineer (Mr. Millett) and others, which proved of the greatest possible service; and I have further to assure you that the desire of the Government to do something practical for the benefit of the gold field, was recognized generally by the very reasonable men who form the influential and responsible portion of the population of the Thames. I have, &c, C. E. Haughton, The Hon. the Minister for Public "Works, Wellington. Under Secretary.

SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE, &C., ENCLOSED WITH REPORT OF 15TH MAY, 1872.

APPENDIX.

No. Date. From. To. Subject. 1 1872. I May 8 2 8 4 5 6 7 ■ May 27 May 7 May 10 May 3 Mao 10 :May 7 R. Millett N. P. Carver J. J. O'Neill Or. A. Beere J. J. O'Neill J. Gibbons G. B. Haughton C. E. Hangliton C. E. Haughton 0. E. Haughton C. E. Haughton C. E. Haughton Return showing motive-power, machinery, &c, on Thames Gold Field, with sketch plan. Sketch of low-level water scheme —proposed arrangement (with tracing). Modification of low-level scheme. Remarks on Mr. Carver's scheme. Proposed Puru scheme (with tracing). Remarks on Mr. Beere's scheme. Estimate of working expenses of a 30 h.p. steam engine per week. Estimate of revenue receivable from batteries at Thames —low-level scheme. Resolutions of meeting of Engineers and Mine Managers as to water supply. Report on country between Moanataiari Water Race and watershed of Kauwaeranga. 8 May 6 T. W. Walker C. E. Haughton 9 May 6 W. T. Swan 10 May 6 D. Simpson J. J. O'Neill

ABLE S owing Steam 'owee used in. the Manufacture of M Gold Field, 8th May, 1872. lining lant, ;c, on iames fo.on Plan. Name. Locality. Description. Nominal T , h.p. LeveL Remarks. 60 61 62 (53 Judd and Co. Holdship and Co Tlrvvaites Price Brothers Karaka ... Iron Foundry ... Beach ... Saw Mill Beach ... Saw Mill Grahamstown ... ! Iron Foundry ... 6 L. L. 8 L. L. 6 L. L. 8 I L. L. 28

D.—No. k

TABLE showing the MOTIVE POWER, MACHINERY, &c, used on the Thames Gold Field; corrected to 8th May, 1872, with reference to Sketch Plan ( l) annexed.

17

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

.OTIVE 3 WEE. Pl :.p. u ANT ised ii i Name. Locality. 1 w. o 6 n 8 n <u i I U I II kll to a at 6 'c o I a Remarks. 3 O 6 o 3 4 5 Vulcan Scottish Chief ... Wild Missouri Russells Flora McDonald .,. Upper Tararu Tararu 21 31 30 14 30 40 20 81 4( 3' 5 30 40 34 5 Would not benefit by eithei high or low level. Watei power, 5 in..turbine. Would not benefit by eithei high or low level. 12 ft. bj 3 ft. breast, overshot wheel. 36 ft. by 5 ft. overshot wheel. 45 ft. by G ft. overshot w rheel. 15 in. turbine. Auxiliary 14 h.p. double cylinder engine. Two 20 ft. by 6 ft. overshot wheels. 23 in. turbine. Auxiliary 4C h.p. engine. Brown and Co. ... 40 40 40 L.L. Tararu Battery ... „ 40 40 40 80 80 L.L. 8 9 10 U 12 L8 14 15 16 17 18 Savery and Co. ... Albert Battery ... Clarkson's Bleazard's Kuranui (tailings) Kuranui Battery ... Shotover Herald Caledonian G.M.C. Prince Alfred United Pumping Association Brissenden and Co. Imperial Crown ... Manukau Tramway Tookey Golden Calf Central Italy Nonpareil Waitemata Morning Star Moanatairi Middle Star Whan Alburnia Pioneer Ballarat and Chinos Tararu Road 15 13 9 5 12 12 12 5 12 12 12 8 30 22 22 113 14 53 12 12 12 5 L.L. L.L. Pukehinau Tararu Road 8 L.L. L.L. Not at work. Not at work. Grahamstown Beach Grahamstown 48 12 20 62 21 30 22 22 113 14 53 20 18 12 50 14 16 4 10 10 L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. 18 35 35 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 i'< 29 30 31 32 33 34 20 50 32 10 47 12 20 15 14 20 27 12 10 21 8 24 20 50 32 10 47 12 20 15 14 20 27 12 10 21 8 24 50 32 10 20 L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. ,, 40 41 12 ,, Moanatairi 35 12 12 20 15 14 8 12 ,, ,, Moanatairi 12 25 8 10 20 9 30 12 15 12 10 15 8 24 6 Wot at work. Idle 18 months, but will commence next week. Tinker's Gully ... 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 ■H 45 46 47 Weston's Brighton Criterion Corastock Waiotahi Souter's Golden Crown ... Do Hirsch Eglinton Spencer and Hall Prince Imperial ... Little and Good ... Yickery Waiotahi ,, ,, 30 20 27 20 16 20 21 25 20 8 16 12 70 16 21 25 20 8 16 12 70 16 6 6 10 6 16 21 25 20 16 12 35 16 1 8 35 L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L.I L.L. Not at work. Not at work. ,, Grahamstown 2 1 6 6 io Not at work. Karaka 5 10 8 6 16 Auxiliary 8 h.p. engine ; 20 ft. by 5 ft. overshot wheel Auxiliary 10h.p. engine; 30 ft. by 3 ft. overshot wheel. Auxiliary 16 h.p. engine; 16ft. by 6 ft. overshot wheel. 8 inch diameter vortex machine —15 head of stamps in course of erection. 30 ft. by 3 ft. overshot wheel. Not at work. 30 ft. by 8 ft. overshot wheel. Not at work. 30 ft. by 3 ft. overshot wheel. Not at work. 30 ft. by 3 ft. overshot wheel. Not at work. Not at work. ,, 8; ) 18 Bull's No. 1 11 10 10 20 20 L.L. 19 "Una !, 26 16 12 28 28 L.L. Perry's ,, 15 12 20 32 32 L.L. Coulabah 6 4 4 4 Onehunga ,, 6 4 4 4 Bull's No. 2 . ... ,, 8 4 4 4 Halcyon ,, ... 8 4 4 4 >5 i s Luckie Hit Captain Ninnis ... Eaithby and Muir Greenway Grove Shortland 20 1 9 8 22 6 8 7 I "* 20 2 6 8 13 20 2 6 L.L. L.L. L.L. L.L. Hape I '■" "e 8 13 5 iu. diameter turbine. ,, 813 1004 ! 249 1253 797 168 115 188

D.—No. 1

18

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

TABLE showing WORKS in PROGRESS, with Nominal Horse Power of Engines in course of Erection.

Memobandttm for the information of C. E. Haughton, Esq., Under Secretary for Public Works, Gold Melds Department. In accordance with your memorandum, received per telegraph, I forward herewith, sketch plan, showing modification of" low-level water scheme," as suggested by me. My report to you, of date 6th May, 1872, states that at the time I measured the water in the Waiwhakaurunga Eiver, there was at the head of the low level 7 cubic feet of water flowing per second, and a further quantity of 5 cubic feet could be obtained from the Hihi, a tributary not included in the above scheme. In a subsequent rough sketch, I showed that Mr. Sims' proposition, to bring the water in wrought iron pipes from the head of the low level, could be considerably improved on by first convoying the water by flumiug a portion of the distance, about four miles, and picking up the several tributaries along its course, thereby augmenting the 7 cubic feet in the main stream and the 5 cubic feet which can bo obtained from the Hihi by a branch flume across the river, a distance of about twenty chains or so. At the most practicable point along the proposed line of fluming, I would suggest that a service reservoir be constructed, capable of containing two or three days' supply for the battery service during the repairs to the fluming. If these suggestions be adopted, the distance will be lessened, and the height at which the water will be available above high watermark will be increased from 130 to about 150 feet, i.e., assuming that the distance, as given on the plan of the low-level scheme, be eight miles, with a fall 5 feet per mile, and the termination at the Moanatairi Creek 130 feet above high watermark, the head of the race would be 170 feet above the same datum. As regards the matter of compensation where the proposed race would pass through Shortland and Grahamstown, this can be in a measure avoided by laying the pipes along the streets, and the only point where the " Native difficulty " will show itself, will be for about one mile and a half between the Native reserve boundary and the Wai Kei Kei Creek at Parawai. This difficulty will affect any lowlevel scheme, but the one I now suggest least of any. E. MILLETT, 29th May, 1872. Provincial District Engineer, Thames.

Mr. N". P. Cabyee to Mr. C. E. Hatjghtoh". Sib,— Shortland, Thames, 7th May, 1872. As it is generally admitted that a low-level water supply is the most feasible for the supply of this gold field, I have the honor to submit, for the information of the Government, the following remarks upon the low level, proposed by me to Mr. Carruthers, Engineer-in-Chief. 1. The race will supply the greatest possible quantity of water at the least possible cost. I estimate its cost at £23,000. 2. The race being constructed in sections, the supply is safe. 3. It has the advantage of a large supply of storage water, formed by an almost natural reservoir. 4. By adopting fluming, the natural resources of the country supply the materials for its construction. 5. An extensive revenue would be derived from timber, for mining and other purposes, that could so readily be obtained and floated down the race, as the back waters of the reservoir would extend to the margin of one of the finest kauri forests in New Zealand. And I would suggest, in the event of iron pipes instead of timber being adopted, the advisability of testing the action of the mineral properties of the water on iron, as the exceedingly destructive properties of the Thames waters upon boiler-plates is a well-known fact; and that some of the Kauwae-

No. on Plan. Name. Locality. Description. Nominal h.p. Level. Kemarks. 18 United Pumping Association Albion G-old Mining Company Hape Creek Saw Mill Company Tookey's Mat ... Pumping Machine 250 L.L. 64Tookey's Flat ... Winding 40 L.L. 65 Hape Creek Saw Mill 50 L.L. Woek8 not included in other Tal lies. No. on I Plan. Name. Locality. 66 I Thames Gas Works 67 Chlorination Works Mary Street, Shortland. Waterfall Creek.

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD FIELDS.

19

D.—No. 4

ranga tributaries have their waters highly charged with minerals I have frequently detected by the state alone. 1 have, &c, N. P. Caeveb, C. E. Haughton, Esq., Under Secretary for Gold Fields. Engineer and Surveyor. Mr. J. J. O'Neill to Mr. C. E. Hatohtost. Memorandum upon Mr. Carver's Scheme. This seems to be generally the same plan as that proposed by Mr. Carver, and which appeared in the columns of the Thames Advertiser about six months ago: the dimensions of the present proposed reservoir embankment are, however, much smaller. There appears to me to be no necessity for constructing such a large storage reservoir, and the sum stated is far below what the actual cost would be for the construction of race and reservoir. lam of opinion that it would be better to construct the race first, and afterwards a reservoir if required. I cannot see any advantage in this plan over that already proposed for the low level, as the Hihi Creek can be added to the supply of either. It has the disadvantage, however, of being at a lower level. Auckland, 10th May, 1872. John James O'Neill.

Mr. Gr. A. Beehe to Mr. C. E. Hattghton. Sib,— Shortland, 3rd May, 1872. I have the honor to submit, for your consideration, tracing of proposed water supply for the Thames District; also a map of the gold field, as compiled by me at the close of last year. Both tracing and map are on the same scale, so that by placing the tracing upon the face of the map, the positions of the various creeks can be at once visible. There are two lines or water schemes laid down upon the tracing. The red indicates al5 head supply, taken at an elevation of 300 feet above the sea; and the yellow indicates a 10 head supply, at 590 feet of elevation. In particularizing the advantages of the two schemes, the yellow takes the lead, as the elevation compensates for the loss of the 5 heads which would be gained in the 300-feet level; but the distance being so much greater in the high level than in the low, I had considered it advisable to suggest the latter level for your consideration. The cost would be about the same in both cases. The high-level race could be constructed the entire length as far as Tararu Bluff by cutting and fluming, and carried the remainder of the way in pipes ; but the low level would probably meet with opposition if carried in a similar manner, owing to its passing over a considerable extent of private property, unless carried along the beach in pipes sunk into the ground. This level would be available for all the batteries at Tararu as far up the creek as the Missouri, and the surplus water carried to G-rahamstown for the batteries on the Plat. Without a complete survey of the entire route, it would be next to impossible to estimate the exact cost: at the same time, lam of opinion that £1,000 per mile would be sufficient to carry out the undertaking. Trusting that the scheme may receive your due consideration, and, in the event of your approval, I shall be happy to render any further particulars, and, if necessary, complete the survey already commenced, at a moderate rate of remuneration, I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Gold Fields. GrEO. A. Beebe.

Mr. J. J. O'Neih, to Mr. C. E. Haijghton. Memorandum upon Mr. Beere's Scheme. Auckland, 10th May, 1872. As only a portion of the ground in connection with this plan has been surveyed, and as there are no dimensions given of proposed reservoir, I can form no correct idea of the scheme. It is not stated whether or not the proposed supply would be the average yearly supply. John Jas. O'Neill. ]N"ote.—The reservoir as shown on plan would, on account of the nature of the ground, be both costly and difficult to construct. 10th May, 1872. J. J. ON. Memorandum by Mr. J. Gibbons. Estimate of Working Expenses of a 30 liorse-power Steam Engine per Week. £ s. d. Cost of Coal per h.p. per week, at 20s. per h.p. ... ... 30 0 0 One Engineer, £4; Engine driver, £2 10s. ... ... ... ... 6 10 0 Oil, waste, repairs, &c. ... ... ... ... 3 10 0 £40 0 0

FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO

D.—No. 4.

20

Kauwaeranga low-level supply, estimated to give say 300 h.p., at above rate, worth ... £400 0 0 For one year of 50 weeks, at"£4oo per week ... ... ... ... 20,000 0 0 Above h.p. at ss. per h.p. per week ... ... ... ... ... £3,750 0 0 Leaving a profit to machines of ... ... ... ... ... 16,250 0 0 £20,000 0 0 Q-rahamstown, 7th May, 1872. John Gibbons.

Memobandttm by Mr. T. "W. "Walkee, Manager, All Nations G-old Mining Company. JSstimate of Revenue receivable from Uatteries on Thames Gold Field for Water supplied by Lowlevel Scheme. (Estimated at ss. per Stamp-head per week.) £ s. d. Kurumii Mill, 50 horse power, at ss. ... ... ... 12 10 0 Herald „ 20 „ „ ... ... ... 5 0 0 Imperial Crown ~40 ~ ~ ... ... ... 10 0 0 G-oodall's „ 16 „ „ ... ... ... 4 0 0 Tookey's „ 15 „ „ ... ... ... 315 0 Manukau „ 40 „ „ ... ... ... 10 0 0 Caledonian „ 60 „ „ ... ... ... 15 0 0 Golden Crown „ 40 „ „ ... ... ... 10 0 0 Souter's „ 15 „ „ ... ... ... 315 0 Prince Imperial ~40 „ „ ... ... ... 10 0 0 £84 0 0 Mills probably erected if Supply guaranteed. £ s. d. Long Drive and All Nations Mill, 40 horse power ... ... ... 10 0 0 Moanatairi „ 40 „ ... ... ... 10 0 0 Point Russell and Neighbours ~60 „ ... ... ... 15 0 0 Quebec „ 40 „ ... ... ... 10 0 0 "Waio-Karaka ~40 „ ... ... ... 10 0 0 Smiles „ 40 „ ... ... ... 10 0 0 Weekly Eevenue ... ... £149 0 0 Annual Eevenue ... ... 7,748 0 0 Estimated cost, £27,000, say £35,000 at 15 per cent. ... £5,250 0 0 Leaving for annual cost, wear and tear, &c. ... ... 2,498 0 0 £7,748 0 0 6th May, 1872.

Resolution of Meeting at Grahamstown. Thames Water Supply. At a meeting of local engineers and mine managers, relative to water supply, held at the Government Buildings, Grahamstown, on the 6th May, 1872, Mr. Swan in the chair, it was moved by Mr. Masters, Brissenden and Cos. Reduction Works, seconded by Mr. T. W. Walker, All Nations Gold Mining Company, — " That in the opinion of this meeting the water scheme embodied in the memorandum submitted by Mr. Sims to Mr. Haughton, is a step in the right direction, and should be carried out by the Government as speedily as possible." Amendment moved by Mr. D. Grove, Grove's Battery, seconded by Mr. Drake, manager, " Middle Star ":— " That, inasmuch as the suggestions offered by Mr. Sims only secures, during the wet seasons, thirty sluice-heads of water, estimated to drive 336 horse power, and that there are no less than 1,004 horse power at work on the field, it is desirable that a public meeting should be held to decide which of the levels the Government has surveyed is the more suitable." Resolution carried, only two dissenting. Wm. T. Swan", Chairman.

Memorandum by Mr. Sims for Mr. Hatjohtow. (Referred to in the Resolution). Eight miles of 24-inch diameter (not iron) pipes, i-inch thick, at £25 per ton, or £ s, d. 1,320 tons, at £25 ... ' ... ... ... ... ... ... 33,000 0 0 Laying and jointing pipes, at £500 per mile ... ... ... ... ... 4,000 0 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... £37,000 0 0

WATER SUPPLY UPON THE GOLD EIELDS.

D.— No. 4

21

Quantity of water discharged by the above pipes at Grahamstown, with 150 feet of fall, would be about seven million gallons per 24 hours, the value of which, at 2d. per 1,000 gallons, would be ... ... ... ... ... ... £18,248 0 0 Or at one penny per 1,000 gallons ... ... ... ... ... ... 9,124 0 0 Beckoning only 313 working days per annum, or at the lowest rate 20 per cent, on an outlay of £50,000. By Mr. Sims, Engineer to Caledonian and Imperial Crown G.M. Companies. Grahamstown, 6th May, 1872.

Memobandtjm by J. Caeetjthees upon Mr. Sims' Memorandum. It has been overlooked in the scheme for using wrought iron pipes 2 feet in diameter, that the whole fall, viz., 150 feet, is expended in actually bringing the water, and that no power is left for the use of the machines. A 2-foot pipe would deliver, as stated, seven million gallons a day, but would only do so when discharging freely. If the end of the pipe were fixed to a turbine, the flow would be checked to an extent corresponding to the power obtained. The maximum mechanical effect would be got when the discharge was checked till it amounted to 459 cubic feet per minute, or 1\ heads of water. The horse power developed would be only 90 horse power theoretical, or from 60 to 65 horse power real. It would require a 3' 6" pipe to discharge 40 heads through turbines, and the horse power developed would be about 300 horse power. The pipe would have to be thicker than for a smaller pipe, and I am sure the cost would be not less than £85,000. In laying the pipes it would be necessary to keep them pretty straight, so as not to lose head; so bridges would, be required to cross the creeks. On the whole, Ido not see that pipes would be much, safer than a well-constructed race, and their cost would be certainly much greater. They would also take longer to construct. A timber race might be built in nine months. 23rd May, 1872. J. Caertjthebs.