It's an abiding childhood memory of mine: coming down the highway from Queenstown to Cromwell, looking over the Kawarau River and seeing a wall on the far side. An irrigation project from long ago, I was told. I'd always assumed it was built to end water from the river over to the Bannockburn area. It was much more complex than that, like the Leffel turbine at Tuapeka Mouth which I've researched but not yet published.
The Leffel was powered by water from a race with a 50 foot fall. It took the power of that water and sent a smaller amount to 100ft above, allowing its owners to wash the higher river gravel where they knew there was gold.
The Kawarau project was similar but a generation later and with new technology. It took the flow of the river down a race to generate electricity which powered a water pump. Its purpose was to turn a dry, warm, sunny area of flat land into a watered, warm, sunny area of farms and orchards. It was created by the Cromwell Development Company.
The Company first appears in local newspapers with a different aim in mind. The quartz mining area of Bendigo, near Cromwell, has the deepest gold-mining shaft in the country. Its development was thwarted by incoming water and the cost of hauling stone up, and an adit was begun to be driven from as low as possible, beside the Bendigo Creek, to drain it in 1910. The miners were hoping to strike payable stone on their way to the bottom of the shaft but ran out of money.
The CDC is also referred to as the Cromwell Development Party and it is unsure when it became officially a Company. It is first mentioned as such by the Evening Star in 1913. It needed both water and land rights to be viable.
CROMWELL FLAT.
LAST NIGHT’S MEETING.
[Special to the Star.] CROMWELL, May 10.
Last night’s public meeting at Cromwell to discuss the proposals of the Cromwell Development Company left no doubt as to the desire of the residents to further the scheme. The Athenaeum Hall was comfortably filled, there being a representative attendance of old residents and young residents, and many ladies. The Mayor (Mr Jolly) presided, and with him were Mr Haselden, S.M., Mr Wilmot (Commissioner of Crown Lands), and Messrs Stark and Butterfield. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
That this meeting are in favor of Mr Neill’s scheme for irrigating Cromwell Flat, and will support and encourage the same in any way that they can, being of the opinion that the prosperity of the district will be thereby immensely and permanently advanced. That this meeting are of the opinion that the Cromwell Flat should be granted for agricultural and horticultural pursuits, and alienated from mining insofar as such granting does so alienate the same.
The motions were unanimously supported by various speakers.
Messrs A. Moritzson and Butterfield addressed the meeting on the proposed scheme, and their remarks won general approval. The meeting was one of the best ever held in Cromwell to discuss local matters, and approval of the scheme was manifest throughout. This morning the various rights applied for will be dealt with in the Warden’s Court. -Evening Star, 10/5/1913.
Cromwell Development Company's Proposals.
DISCUSSED AT PUBLIC MEETING.
PROPOSALS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
The public meeting called for Friday evening to discuss the proposal of the Cromwell Development Company to irrigate the Cromwell Flat by a scheme from the Kawarau river, left no doubt as to the residents views on the question. The hall was comfortably filled by representatives of the town and all the outlying districts, the presence of many ladies being an outstanding feature.
His Worship the Mayor (Mr E Jolly) occupied the chair, and with him on the platform were Warden Haselden, Mr E. H. Wilmot (Commissioner of Crown Lands), and Messrs Moritzon and Butterfield, members of the party, interested in the scheme.
The Mayor in his opening remarks read apologies from Dr Morris, Mr E Murrell and Mr C. Bay. Referring to the purpose of the meeting, the Mayor stated it had been called as the result of a suggestion emanating from Mr Warden Haselden to enable the residents to express an opinion whether certain lands applied for should be reserved for mining, or devoted to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. He proceeded to read resolutions passed at the council meeting on the previous evening, showing that the council as representing the people were in favor of Mr Neill’s applications, and of the area applied for to be alienated from mining. The speaker considered that if the district was to prosper and have a future it must look to the settlement of the land. On the flat thousands of acres were lying waste and settlers would not take it up without water for irrigation, but he knew of people in the district and elsewhere who would take up sections if water was available. He understood the company which proposed to undertake the scheme included influential men and men of means, and he thought the scheme should have the support and encouragement of every person in the district. If the company could show that it was prepared to spend money on the scheme, with certain conditions imposed if the rights were granted, he felt sure Warden Haselden would view it with favor. In conclusion, addressing Warden Haselden, he said: “If the district is to prosper the settlement of the laud must be looked for, and in the prosperity of the district we look to you to help us to achieve that object.” (Loud Applause).
The next speaker was Mr Butterfield. He opened by expressing extreme satisfaction as the suggestion of Warden Haselden to hold a public meeting to get the opinion of the public on the scheme. The proposal was a very important one for Cromwell, and the question was one which had to be very carefully thought out by the Warden in considering what was in the best interests of the district, whether the land should be reserved for mining or put to agricultural purposes. Referring to the scheme the speaker said the applications were for a dam site, for a channel for 1000 heads of water from the Kawarau to generate power for pumping water on to the flat, and also to generate electricity and if possible to raise water onto the higher land in order to bring as large an area as possible within the scope of the scheme. The scheme would involve a considerable amount of capital, but all the members of the company looked for was a fair interest on the capital. He need hardly mention that the success of the scheme would be the means of others being taken up elsewhere, which would be for the general prosperity of Otago. They were not out as philanthropists but as citizens of Otago. If the present company did not see the water put on to the flat then the Government would have to come to the rescue. One great question was the area of land available which was hardly sufficient to carry the proposed scheme, if any great area was reserved for mining then the scheme would fall to the ground. He counselled the meeting to seriously consider the question to set a course for the officials to work upon, if the scheme was brought into operation he did not think there would be any doubt about the railway. If a large area was reserved for mining it would be to the detriment of the district and Otago. The success of the scheme would ensure other schemes, which would ultimately bring about the settlement of the whole of Central Otago. (Applause),
Mr Moritzson also addressed the meeting. In the course of his remarks he said the prosperity of Dunedin depended on the prosperity of the back country. Unfortunately his company had not only one department to deal with, but three — the Department of Lands, the Mines Department, and the Warden’s Department — and it was easily understood how difficult it was to encounter every point of aggression. Unless all these could agree the scheme would fall. He believed the Mines Department had recommended that 600 or 1000 acres between Cromwell and Bannockburn be reserved for mining, and if that was the case his party would relinquish any ambition to carry out the scheme. The reason for this was that to get the scheme in full working order would require an outlay of £50,000. That must carry interest and at the present time the land that was available for the scheme was not sufficient to give interest on that amount of money. There were 3500 acres to be irrigated and if it was decided to take 1000 acres away it would be an end to it as far as his party was concerned. He had no doubt it was a very laudable object to do the best in the interests of mining, as that industry had played a great part in the development of the Dominion, but New Zealand had reached the stage when it could not rely on the mining industry to support the country. Mr Moritzson made short reference to the devastation of agricultural land by dredging. He championed the cause of closer settlement, which would mean prosperous homes, the raising of families, and the bringing-up of future generations. Concluding he said that if the meeting passed a resolution asking the Warden to use his influence and weight in the interests of the party he might see eye to eye with them, that it would be better to reserve the land for settlement. He may be inclined to send an accompanying note to the Minister stating what the minds of the people were on the matter. (Applause). The Minister of Public Works who was the member for the district, had told the people that his Government were going to encourage private enterprise, and he had assured the company that he proposed to encourage the scheme, provided the peoples rights and the rights of the Government were safeguarded. (Applause.)
Mr Jas Mackenzie then moved: —
“That this meeting is in favor of Mr Neill's scheme for irrigating the Cromwell Flat and will support and encourage the same in any way that it can, being of opinion that the prosperity of the district will be thereby immensely and permanently advanced.”
Mr C. Holden, in seconding the motion, said that private parties had previously been refused rights to irrigate this flat. They now had another party prepared to carry it out if backed up by the influence of the district. He heartily supported the motion.
Other speakers favored the motion, which on being put was carried unanimously.
Mr W. Ritchie moved: That the meeting is of opinion that the Cromwell Flat should be granted for agricultural and horticultural pursuits and alienated from mining in so far as such granting does alienate the same.
Mr J. Gordon seconded. He considered the small area to be reserved for mining along the river was quite sufficient. He had tested part of the Flat a short distance back and struck high bottom. He thought that to alienate any land proposed to be irrigated would be to the detriment of the district. Agricultural pursuits would be far better.
Mr Horn raised the question of valuable seams of coal in the flat between Cromwell and Bannockburn in addition to gold which might be there. He did not think mining was done yet and he considered it was bad on the part of Cromwell residents to say that the area be alienated from mining for all time. Speaking later on Mr Horn assured the meeting that he was in utter sympathy with the proposal. His desire was to raise a discussion in order to enable the Warden to accurately gauge the feeling of the meeting. After several other speakers had supported the motion it was put to the meeting and carried unanimously, amidst applause.
Mr Moritzsou proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Warden Haselden and Commissioner Wilmot for their attendance and to the Mayor for presiding.
Several speakers made special requests for a few remarks from Warden Haselden who ultimately acceded to the request and was greeted with loud applause. He thanked the meeting for the cordial reception to himself and Mr Wilmot. As Mr Moritzson had said their presence was due to the recognised importance of the question and of successfully dealing with it after due consideration of the various interests bound up in it. While they wanted to do their duty as officials they wanted to do it so that no one would be injured and that the interests of the district should be protected. It was almost absurd to say he had no personal interest in the scheme, and it was his keen desire to do his duty to the best of the ability he might possess. He took no credit for the meeting being called, although he had been credited with it, but he could only now say it was a proper and wise thing to do. One great thing to avoid was in deciding anything in the absence of any party which might ho affected, but after this meeting it could not be said due notice had not been given. He thought no belter course could have been pursued. In regard to the rights he was credited with more power than he possessed. The only right he could grant was the dam, and that was the most important asked for when it was considered that this meant damming the Kawarau river right across, and bound in that was the most important question. He could only recommend the others for the Ministers consent. Regarding the land he could only report on that from a strictly mining point of view. He had listened attentively to the expressions at the meeting and would turn it over in his mind in the hope that after due consideration thereof a clear cut line of duty might he made manifest. He again thanked the meeting for the courteous reception. The Warden resumed his seat amidst great applause.
The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair and to Warden Haselden and Mr Wilmot. -Cromwell Argus, 12/5/1913.
The CDC's model was a classic one: buy land, build infrastructure to make the land more valuable, sell the land for a profit. The railway builders of the North American prairies did the same. But the CDC faced a slightly different situation. Other interests (unlike the case of the railways) were recognised.
TO DEVELOP CROMWELL
RENEWED APPLICATION FOR LAND.
The path of the Cromwell Development Party has not been a particularly smooth one. In the first place, when they applied to the Land Board for about 1,500 acres of Cromwell Flat, upon which the water they were acquiring would be diverted, they were told that nothing could be granted until they had secured the water rights. They did secure these rights on the Kawarau River, and then there was the further matter of securing releases from those tenants who had contracted to take water from the Government's Roaring Meg scheme. The latest difficulty, as disclosed yesterday evening, is that Messrs Horn and Isles have prior applications for about 270 acres of land, which the Minister has not as yet dealt with.
At the outset Mr Peter Duncan (one of the party) said that they were waiting to hear from the warden of the Mines Department. The Minister had said that if the water rights were obtained by the party to the proposed scheme, then he would consent to the selling of the land to them. The party had not yet had from the warden the necessary documents — he had granted the applications, but the necessary plans or signatures had not reached them yet. But in the meantime they wanted to be able to take one step. The board had supplied them with an indication of the prices expected for the land, and they wished to discuss those prices.
The Commissioner (Mr Wilmot): We don't discuss our prices. We fix the prices, and make our recommendations accordingly.
Mr Duncan: When we approached the board we were not received encouragingly, and we went to the various Ministers. Our principle is that unless every factor is suitable we will not take this business on. If the prices are suitable, will all this land applied for be granted?
The Commissioner: I cannot tell you. You know that the whole thing has to go to the Minister.
Mr Duncan: If the whole of the land is not granted at such a price as to be satisfactory, the scheme will not be gone on with.
The Commissioner: You can do as you please. You have the prices. If you do not care to go on you can withdraw your application. We have gone out of our way to give you the prices we will sell at, and we cannot do more at present.
Mr Duncan: We want to make it clear that we require all the land that we apply for. We are fortified in saving so because we have already had it explained by the board that this land would not be granted to us unless we had the water, which, of course, means that anyone else applying for any portion of this land would not get it unless he had some interest in the water. We claim the result of a logical position created by the board.
The Commissioner: Mr Duncan knows applications were made for land on Cromwell Flat before this party made their application. He knows that they were recommended by the board to the Minister, and that no answer has yet been received.
Mr Duncan replied that all he had heard was a vague statement to that effect. He also pointed out that the stipulation laid down by the board that no application would be granted unless the water was obtained applied to other applications besides that of the party. He had seen the Ministers who represented two departments, and they had said that there was no difficulty in the business.
Mr Crawford Anderson: What difficulties have we put in your way?
Mr Duncan: Well give us the land; we can get nothing definite.
Mr Anderson: We have recommended the applications of Mr Horn and Mr Isles to the Minister, and they have not been decided.
Mr Moritzson (another member of the party): It was distinctly understood that the board would not alienate the land from the people who had got the water, and, furthermore, we have the assurance of the Minister that immediately they complied with the regulations and burdens placed upon the party, instructions would be given to the Board to grant all the land applied for. Unless the party can get sufficient land they will drop the whole matter.
The Commissioner: You are now applying for more land than you did at the beginning. You then applied for 1,500 acres, and now you want 1,700.
Mr Duncan: It will take us all that to work upon. Presently the matter drifted back to the old point that the applications of Messrs Horn and Isles would have to be decided first.
Finally the board decided in committee that the application of Messrs Horn and Isles be again referred to the Minister that he be made aware of the altered circumstances in connection with the water supply; and that if the applications are declined the board will recommend the Minister to include the area applied for by those gentlemen in the area, applied for by the Cromwell Development Party.
The matter was then adjourned pending a Ministerial reply. -Evening Star, 12/6/1893.
The Cromwell Development Party (aka Company, aka Syndicate) failed to gain the necessary rights and disbanded, but soon came under popular pressure to continue.
CROMWELL DEVELOPMENT PARTY.
A Hopeful Outlook.
Several representatives of the Cromwell Development Party, including Messrs Scott, Butterfield, Neill, and Duncan, arrived in Cromwell on Friday, and on Saturday were joined by Mr Sargood, a keen supporter of the party, and a staunch champion of the Central districts interests. These gentlemen have since been engaged in viewing the site of the proposed scheme, and have also made a careful inspection of the land which can be brought within its influence, and have collected data generally in reference thereto. Nothing definite can yet be announced, but a meeting of the party will be held on the return of its representatives to Dunedin, and a definite decision will be arrived at in regard lo the proposals, and whether the party will undertake the entire scheme.
From information gleaned during an interview with a representative of this journal we are quite sanguine in venturing the opinion that the scheme is assured, and hope to be able to confirm this prediction at a very early date. -Cromwell Argus, 22/9/1913.
Our Cromwell correspondent informs us that the local residents are jubilant over the decision of the development company to go on with the scheme of irrigation for the Cromwell Flat and the adjoining land. Word was received yesterday that the company had finally overcome the many obstacles. There is every prospect that this will be one of the best schemes ever started for the advancement of the district. It only requires the railway to be pushed on from Clyde to enable Dunedin business people to see what the Upper Clutha can produce in the way of fat stock, grain, fruit, and many other products.
A meeting of the Cromwell Development Party was held in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon, when it was unanimously decided to close with most of the offers of freehold land on the Cromwell Flat. The party will control in all about 6000 acres of land, comprising freehold, renewable leases of 21 years, and leases in perpetuity. All of these lands will be served by water from the Kawarau Gorge, the intention being to install a hydroelectric pumping plant to lift the water and irrigate the flat. There will be 60 heads available for irrigation purposes, and it is estimated that a l000h.p. electric pumping plant will be required to raise this amount to a level 160ft above the flat, whence it will flow by gravitation to the places to be irrigated. The irrigation scheme and the purchase of the land are expected to cost about £35,000. It is thought that fully 300 farms will thus be brought under cultivation, the holdings being from 10 to 30 acres in extent. Fruit-growing will be the chief industry, and a portion of the area will be set aside, for dairying and pig raising. The decision of the development party to go on with the work has been received with much satisfaction by the Cromwell people. It is also stated that the company intends to generate electricity and carry it overhead to Pembroke for use by the settlers along the river banks in pumping water to irrigate their land. -Otago Daily Times, 30/9/1913.
The year of 1914 saw the Cromwell Development Party become a Limited Company and raise L40,000 in shares. The Cromwell Wardens Court granted the Company its necessary permissions.
The Cromwell Development Company are working steadily. Plans have been adopted and prices for the machinery have come to hand from England, America, and Switzerland, and it is expected that some of the contracts will be let immediately. The directors decided to have the first block of freehold land, some 500 acres purchased from Mr John Fleming and Mrs Rowe, sold .immediately by private contract. The manager (Mr Butterfield) is engaged with land experts fixing the value of each section. The first block to be put up consists of about 500 acres, and will be known as "Ripponvale." There will be thirty sections, varying from 12 to 25 acres. The sections have been laid out in such a way that every section will be easily reached from a road, and will be plentifully watered. -Tuapeka Times, 10/10/1914.
The Cromwell Development Company invite tenders for the construction of weir and main conduit, supply and delivery of cement, construction of main ditch, supply of water pipes, etc, and the cartage and laying of pipes. Full particulars will he found in our advt. columns. -Dunstan Times, 5/4/1915.
CROMWELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED.
TENDERS are invited, addressed to the Secretary, 102 Princess St, DUNEDIN, for the undermentioned Contracts.
No. 1 Construction of Weir and Main Conduit.
No. 2 Supply and Delivery of Portland Cement.
No. 3 Construction of Main Distribution Ditch.
No. 4 Supply and Construction of Steel Water Pipes and Accessories.
No. 5 The Cartage and laying of Water Pipes and Accessories.
Tenders for Contracts Nos, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will he received up to April 24th, 1915. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Plans and Specifications with F. J. WILLIAMS, Engineer, N.Z. Express Buildings, Bond St DUNEDIN.
S. M. PARK, Secretary. -Dunstan Times, 5/4/1915.
CROMWELL WAKING UP
A PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITY.
FLAT TO BE MADE FERTILE.
MODEL TOWN PLANNED.
[By Our Own Reporter.] CROMWELL, May 3.
Macetown is dead and half-buried beneath rusty iron and tin. Macraes is known only as a place where the traveller can get a good meal. Naseby slumbers, and dreams of the hustle of 40 years ago. Hamiltons is one with Nineveh and Tyre. People point to the place where it used to be. Lawrence languishes, and bemoans the shifting of business to Beaumont.
With these and other depressing lessons in view, the Cromwell people, spurred and helped by friends of the City, have determined that their place, at any rate, shall I not "go down,'' and run the dismal course of old mining centres — stagnation, depopulation, ashes, oblivion. Such a fate could be plainly foretold for Cromwell if every body sat down content and let things slide. The sand that even now almost invades the streets would quickly march in and smother everything.
The call to action is, however, heard in time. A scheme has been set afoot by a number of business men for averting the doom of desolation, and making the town of the twin rivers a joy to Otago, a pleasure to the eye, and the centre of smiling prosperity.
I refer to the Cromwell Development Company. Please do not sniff nor tighten your hand upon your pockets at the mention of "company." There is nothing to suspect or be afraid of. The promoters, if so minded, could have avoided the word and all its associations, and thrown about their scheme the cloak of some less explicit title. They prefer the direct method adopted, and make no pretence of philanthropic aims, but are content to call the affair a company and put the matter before the public purely as a business proposition. This is to be preferred to a parade of beneficent aims, and plain business men are frankly trusting the good faith of Mr Sargood, Mr Moritzson, and their colleagues.
Evidence in that direction is supplied in the widespread interest manifested by the dwellers in Central Otago concerning the visit of which I am writing — the visit, of promoters, members of Parliament, members of the Otago Education Board, and others. It may be asked how the party comes to be so composed. The answer is that the Otago Education Board, are opening a new school at Cromwell, and it was deemed a fitting thing to associate this with the other functions. The new school is to accommodate 120 scholars. If was much needed. Another room had to be built, and as the old structure was unsuitable, and could not be added to without spoiling the playground, the board decided to acquire another site and put up a new school. That explains the presence of members of the board.
As to the scheme of the Cromwell Development Company, it is in the main to irrigate the big flat with water from the Kawarau River, to start from 300 to 350 fruit farms that are to be individually from 12 to 20 acres in area, and thus to resettle the whole district. The idea emanates from enthusiastic members of the Expansion League, who know the country and its possibilities from a personal experience extending over many years. These members and certain of the residents have formed themselves into a company, and the scheme has been warmly taken up by the local public bodies. The Government proposal for irrigating the flat was harness the waters of the Roaring Meg Creek. The company, being convinced that this idea, is not suitable, have secured the right to tap the Kawarau at the falls. A dam will be put in to raise the river 15ft. 'The water will be led to a power-house, where 45 heads will be lifted 160ft. That is the energy in sight. The irrigation will be by gravitation. It will make good some 6,000 acres of Crown land and also water a number of freeholds. Factories, for the producing of butter and cheese and bacon and dried fruits are also in the plan, also co-operative stores, and it is intended to set aside 100 acres, in acre lots, as a model township. These are the subjects that were talked of on the way up from town to-day, and this evening we are in high hopes of a promising start to-morrow with the launching of the big scheme.
May 4. The visiting party as marshalled this morning consisted of the Hon. W. Fraser, Mr R. Scott, M.P., Mr P. R. Sargood (chairman), Mr A. J. Butterfield (manager), Mr F. J. Williams (engineer), Mr A. Moritzson, and Mr W. Scott (directors of the Cromwell Development Company), Mr G. C. Israel (chairman), Mr P. M. Park (secretary), Mr C. E. D. Richardson (Chief Inspector), Mr J. Rodger (architect), Mr D. T. Fleming, and Mr James Smith (members of the Otago Education Board), Mr A. Bathgate (chairman), and Mr J. Inglis Wright (Otago Expansion League). The party were welcomed by Mr Ernest Jolly, the Mayor.
At 9 o'clock to-day the party left for Lowburn. and climbed the Sugarloaf opposite Quartz Reef Point to see the desolation caused by drifting earth. The flat ground on the top of this rise was grass-covered five years ago, but is now quite bare, vegetation having been killed by rabbits and the drought. The strong winds lift the soil and blow it about in clouds, threatening the destruction of the orchards in the valley. This country is part of Mount Pisa Station, the lease of which falls in in a few years. The Development Company look to it as the site of their second irrigation scheme, the idea being to bring power electrically along the Clutha Valley. Mr James Wood, president of the Lowburn branch of the Upper Clutha Progressive League, showed the party over the ground and the havoc wrought. The Minister said the matter was not within the scope of his department, but it was very evident that something must be tried. He would represent the matter to the Minister of Lands, and ask him to send one or more experts to report.
The party next drove to Lowburn Flat. Since the flood of 1878 this has been simply a stretch of silt. The residents showed Mr Fraser the state of affairs, and asked him if the Government would do anything. The Minister said the first step should be the formation of a local board. His idea was that the shifting about of this silt could be stopped by planting marram grass. He would, however, ask that this area also be inspected by an expert with authority to report. The next function was the planting of a tree at the Development Company's settlement Elspeth, a mile out of Cromwell. The name Elspeth was chosen in commemoration of Mr Peter Duncan's mother. This tree was planted by Mr W Scott, and afterwards the Mayor planted a tree on the Town Belt, which has been leased to the company.
This afternoon the new school will be opened. -Evening Star, 4/5/1915.
When planting his tree yesterday (wires "Our Own" from Cromwell) Mr Wm. Scott said that the directors of the Cromwell Development Company had decided that as the various subdivisions were marked off each director should in turn give a name. Mr Sargood had named the first Ripponvale, after an old family name. Mr Duncan had named the second Elspeth after his mother, and as he (Mr Scott) was present as Mr Duncan's substitute to plant the first tree on the Elspeth subdivision he did so with pleasure for several reasons. He believed that the Cromwell Development Company would do for Central Otago what other companies had done for British Columbia and California, and that the present function meant the dawning of a new era for Central Otago. Further, he had sous settled on orchards in the Gorge, and it was his intention after a few years to retire with his sons on their orchards. Again, Central Otago seemed about the only really valuable field of enterprise open to Dunedin The aid to make Dunedin the city all wished her to be was the Molyneux Valley. -Evening Star, 5/5/1915.
Large consignments of fencing material and fruit trees arrived last week for the Cromwell Development Party. A fairly large staff made a start this morning fencing and planting. -Cromwell Argus, 12/7/1915.
Our Dunedin evening contemporary states that the Cromwell Development Company recently decided to accept the tender of Boving and Co, of Sweden, for the pumping plant. Similar plant is used on important works in the North Island and elsewhere. Since coming to that decision the Development Company have noticed cablegrams in the papers to the effect that Sweden is arming against Russia, and, being naturally anxious to know what these messages meant, and whether Sweden was likely to do anything to cause her overseas trade to be interfered with or stopped, the company got the Wellington agents of the firm to cable to Sweden asking whether there is anything in the reports from which a dislocation of business might be expected. A reply to that inquiry has been cabled out. It is to the effect that the report is incorrect, that Sweden's business will go on as usual, and that the order for the plant has been accepted and will .be duly executed. -Cromwell Argus, 26/7/1915.
Ripponvale, the Cromwell Development Party's property, has been the scene of considerable work during the last few months. The whole of Mr John Fleming’s former property from Ritchies farm to the southern boundary, including the area surrounding Round Hill, has been fenced and planted with approximately 20,000 trees, and another area formerly held by Mr Redhead is now being planted. The permanent roadways through the block have also been defined. At Elspeth fencing is now proceeding and a large area there will be planted with forest trees. Nine men have made a start on the race from the proposed river pipeline, and already a considerable area has been benched. -Cromwell Argus, 13/9/1915.
A considerable amount of heavy material is now arriving for the Cromwell Development Party’s Irrigation scheme. Several loads of large pipes were landed on the works last week, and more pipes and a large quantity of cement are at Clyde. We learn that the pipes now arriving are to connect with the race on a slip above the Gorge. -Cromwell Argus, 31/1/1916.
Rapid progress in connection with the Cromwell Development Party's irrigation scheme can be expected henceforth. Reliable information states that the race from the termination of the pipe line to a point above the flat is practically completed. A contract has been let for the construction of the main weir and canal, Messrs Byrnes and Johnston, of Dunedin, being the successful tenderers. Last week Mr Williams, the company's engineer, laid off the site of the pumping station, the excavation of which is now to be proceeded with by the company's permanent staff. Half the pipes to connect from the pumping station to the race are already on the ground, and the machinery is expected to arrive within the next few weeks. It is estimated that the scheme will be in working order by the end of the present year, as all the work mentioned will be commenced at an early date. -Cromwell Argus, 13/3/1916.
A well-known local resident, Mr George Silver, met with a painful and serious accident on Thursday last at the Cromwell Development Party's works on the Kawarau river (says the Argus). The injured man was engaged in hammer and drill work on the main channel, when a fall of gravel and stone came down suddenly from the face, striking him heavily on the back. He was immediately removed to the Cromwell Hospital and medical examination showed that the injuries to his back were of a serious nature. The injuries are such that a definite opinion cannot yet be expressed, but nevertheless it is fully realised that they are so serious as to cause his family great anxiety. On making inquiries on Monday morning little progress could be reported. -Lake County Press, 1/6/1916.
CROMWELL NOTES
The weather continues remarkable by way it unusual conditions prevailing. Winter was mild — too mild in many respects — and until the end of August everything pointed to the earliest season on record. But since then conditions have changed, and discomforting elements reached the climax on Thursday with a bitterly cold southerly storm, snow, sleet, and rain, followed by hard frost. In many of the orchards there is now a fine show of blossom, betokening big crops, provided late frosts are not in evidence. Few local people apparently yet fail to realise the great era of prosperity for our district which the optimists see ahead. The latter admittedly have sound arguments in their favor. In the first place, one has only to view the many loads of huge pipes being steadily transferred to the Cromwell Development Company’s works, the gigantic castings and cases of heavy machinery for the pumping plant, and visit the river and view the work in hand. -Evening Star, 19/9/1916.
The district looks particularly well. There have been ample rains, and the ground is well soaked. The trees on the Cromwell Development Company’s estate are looking splendid, and bursting into leaf. The company have now some 300 acres planted out, containing some 36,000 trees. The contractors have been going ahead with the work of preparing the bed of the river for the erection of the weir and they are constructing two monolithic columns which are each 50ft high x 12 x 12. These are made of reinforced concrete, and will be put into the river at the point, where it is 100ft wide. This will be the means of raising the river 18ft to allow the intake for the powerhouse. These are the largest monolithic columns that have ever been built in the world for similar work. -Dunstan Times, 23/10/1916.
Cromwell Development Works.
A visit to the Cromwell Development Company's Works on the Kawarau river leaves the impression that satisfactory progress is being made, and as time goes on the magnitude of the undertaking is more fully realised. Some twenty-one men are at present engaged, but this is far short of what the contractors desired. The principal work in hand at present is the construction of the concrete blocks for the submerged weir in the river. The one on the south side of the river is at present most advanced. It is being erected from the water edge under the perpendicular cliff. The concrete is mixed on the bank above and lowered into position by means of a cage, controlled by wires from the steam winch across the river. When finished the dimensions in feet will be approximately 50x16x174. and the entire weight 750 tons. The one on the road side will be somewhat similar, and will weigh 500 tons. These figures were obtained from a reliable source, and will be an eye-opener to many of our readers who were of the opinion that the blocks would be each in the vicinity of 200 tons. The blocks are heavily reinforced with portions of discarded dredge ladders. The contractors hope to have them completed before the frosty weather sets in, and no doubt advantage will be taken of the low river to drop them in position. In conversation with the contractors we learned that the blocks will be lowered in much the same manner as a huge tree. Provision has been made to take out a scarf in front, and a shot or two at the back will do the rest. Dropping the blocks would be an interesting sight to witness. With their weight it will certainly take some power to shift them provided they fall as anticipated. From the main race which leads round to the flat the pipes are connected under the road, and up-stream for a short distance, and the remainder are all laid out to the bank above the pumping station. Near the pumping station a huge cable is being placed across the river first for the purpose of landing heavy cases of machinery on the opposite side, and afterwards to carry the pipe line from the pumping station. Some employees are at work trimming up the site for the plant, and a few are engaged in the main channel from the river. In all directions one truly sees the outline of a gigantic scheme. Ripponvale, from the distance, was seen under the benefit of a recent rainfall, and the trees looked remarkably well. -Cromwell Argus, 5/2/1917.
In conversation last week with a representative of the Cromwell Development Company, we were informed that the work of dropping the huge pillars will be carried out in a few weeks’ time. The exact date has not yet been fixed, but the time will be given publicity. This information will be a relief to many who are anxious to witness this unique event, and were laboring under the impression that it would be kept secret. -Cromwell Argus, 22/10/1917.
CROMWELL'S BIG DAY.
DAMMING THE KAWARAU.
A PROMISING START.
[Special to the 'Star.') CROMWELL, January 25.
Central Otago, and incidentally Cromwell, has witnessed many interesting chapters in the foundation and progress of the province. The exciting days of the early miner are now interesting records. These were followed after a period of duller times by a gigantic dredging boom. With the advance of settlement has come a desirable attachment to the soil, which has been accentuated by the great possibilities of the Central district, now established beyond contradiction. One great essential, however, is lacking — an abundant supply of water for the otherwise arid lauds. Government schemes have been undertaken in other parts, but locally all interest is centred in the gigantic scheme of the Cromwell Development Company to utilise the great power running to waste in the turbulent Kawarau River, and with it to irrigate thousands of acres in. the vicinity of Cromwell.
Details of the progress of the scheme have appeared in the Press, but one of the most delicate and interesting phases was readied to-day — the lowering of the gigantic concrete columns which are to form a dam in the Kawarau, thereby raising the river sufficiently for the purpose of the company's scheme.
Interest in this has been so widespread that a huge attendance of visitors was confidently anticipated, and the anticipations were more than realised. The day was beautifully fine, and from an early hour there was a steady stream of traffic to the scene, visitors coming from all parts of Otago. The assemblage must approach the 2,000 mark, and includes engineers, representatives of local bodies, and the like. Among those present are Messrs T. K. Sidey, M.P., F. W. Furkert, and C. J. McKenzie (of the Public Works Department), and Mr E. E. Stark and the directors of the company.
All the points of vantage- were quickly seized, and the banks of the river presented a sea of faces. Shortly after 11 o'clock the signal for lowering the first pillar was given, and intense excitement prevailed. Mrs Sargood said: In pressing this button I seek to throw across the rushing torrent of the Kawarau a weir in the same way as every wellwisher of Otago would wish dammed any wave of pessimism that may seek to submerge the minds of its setters. As over the weir, so may a rushing, all-pervading stream of optimism spread throughout Otago, and each one having interests therein seek to make a good the watchword of the Otago Expansion League: "Onward, Otago."
Mrs Sargood then proceeded to release the electric current by which a great body of gelignite was to be exploded. The explosion shook the huge mass, which trembled slightly, a steam winch was then set in motion, and slowly the pillar came over, balanced for a moment in midair, and then with headlong dash crashed into the stream with a majestic grandeur almost identically according to plans. It was a great sight, and the fall was most successful.
The second pillar will be lowered about 4.30.
At a given point the crowd assembled, and speeches were made.
Mr Brodrick (the Mayor), who was the first speaker, detailed the events leading up to the initiation of the present scheme and predicted a great future therefrom. He congratulated Mr Sargood and company on their efforts, and wished them all success. He fittingly referred to the -work of the late Mr George Neill in the initial efforts.
Mr Sargood spoke as follows: Mr Mayor, ladies, and gentlemen. I am proud to be the mouthpiece of the Cromwell Development Company to-day, and to express to you our keenest appreciation of your interest in our work, as is shown by this large gathering. We take it as showing your great commendation and encouragement of our huge undertaking - an undertaking which has not been without its trials and discouragements, all now happily overcome. On this 25th January, 1918, "Cromwell Day," is an opportune time to say a few words about the scheme, its genesis, aspirations, and hopes for the future of Otago. I cannot let this chance pass without bearing testimony to the optimism and faith of some of those who have been instrumental in bringing such a unique undertaking within the bounds of possibility.
The idea of falling huge reinforced concrete pillars is entirely new to New Zealand, and much credit is due to Messrs F. Williams and E. E. Stark, whose combined expert knowledge has thus been demonstrated and used for the good of Otago. To Mr Williams was entrusted the engineering control, and to the contractors — Messrs Byrnes and Johnson — the carrying out of the engineers' plans and instructions. A good job in every sense has been done under difficult conditions, and, I venture to think, to the credit of all concerned. But the late Mr George Neil, your townsman, was the initiating mind. He, during many years, formulated it in his brain, and by his faith in its efficacy imbued a like faith in the minds of others. To your late Mayor (Mr Jolly) and his fellow-councillors we owe a debt of gratitude for sympathetic encouragement and assistance at the inception of the work, and from you, sir, and from many of you, other than official, we have received nothing but courtesy and help.
Though, as was only to be expected at the initiation of a new scheme for New Zealand, we were met in government and other circles with a natural feeling of suspicion, when once our aims were fully understood we have had nothing but full appreciation and ready, though critical, assistance, having due regard to the general public's interest, which we have all along sought to make our own, and not, I hope, without success, as the future will prove. From the head of the Government (the Hon. Mr Massey) we have had a broad-minded understanding of the value of our success, and last, but by no means least to the Hon. Sir William Fraser, your member and Minister of more than one Government department we have had to deal with, who has, as you know, Otago's prosperity as has burning passion. We owe unstinted thanks for his support, and I may, without breach of confidence, say that, but for his encouragement and advice, I doubt if we would have stood up against much discouragement. His well-merited honor at the hands of the King is a matter for our hearty approval and congratulation.
The felling of the monoliths synchronises with the opening of the railway in Cromwell — 1918 may well be a red letter year for this district. With railway facilities within three miles of the furthest portion of the company's lands, I look forward with confidence that in the near future the whole of the intervening space will be covered with smiling homesteads. It has been said that optimism is dead in Otago. Nothing of the sort. Does to-day's function indicate such? No. But I Will say this: that there is a small-minded, carping spirit abroad that looks askance at the employment of or the success of others. I say kill that spirit, encourage capital all you can, for without, it Otago must and will go back. Irrigation schemes are not for small men. You must have faith, long-sighted men, and a ready and full purse to make possible the enormous potentialities of Otago's dry belt. Without water little can be done; with it the possibilities are almost limitless.
Now, what is the Cromwell Development Company? A venture for the irrigation of Cromwell flats and their ultimate settlement by contented people on small holdings where a good living under good conditions can be obtained. If we did not believe such were possible we would hardly have spent between £40,000 to £50,000. Such things are not done for fun, and, you would add, not without hope of gain. Surely; but anyone having any idea, of the subject must see that the company cannot look for gain within the lifetime of any of their present shareholders; therefore I claim that we deserve, nay challenge, your entire sympathy and support. Under our agreement with the government we can not hold any titles to Government lands, but as we sell the properties the Government issue the titles. So much for the pitiful cry raised by axe-grinders against the company on the score of "aggregation." If you want big schemes undertaken you must provide sufficient material to work upon. We are a development company, with the interests of the province at heart first and last. The aims of the company embrace the close settlement under irrigation, of Cromwell flats and adjacent lands where suitable, and to where the energy manufactured at its works can be translated — which may be easily a radius of 50 miles — where fruit farming, dairying, small culture, poultry raising, and the many side lines of intensive farming may be carried on.
In the future, as settlement progresses, it is hoped that co-operative organisations will automatically follow, such as for picking, packing, grading, and vending of fruit and other products. The elimination of the employment by settlers of unnecessary capital — in other words, efficiency in effort and organisation. The company are prepared to tend orchards at stated annual figures until such time as settlers are ready to take possession; will have available expert orchardist and other advisers, if required, to assist settlers in every way possible. Thus to make Cromwell the centre of an up-to-date irrigation colony of prosperous, contented settlers. To make this possible we must have your confidence and support; for our success means a new and permanent life for Cromwell, and the full demonstration that Otago can be the home of hundreds of thousands of small settlers. We sincerely hope that we may be able to make such provision as will induce returned soldiers to make homes here, where they can enjoy the full fruits of their labors and recompense themselves with Nature's aid for the long and arduous trials of the trenches. Such provision will, I hope, be made public shortly, which, will embrace long and easy terms of purchase.
Were I to continue with a list of the company's schemes I would be guilty of taking up too much of your time, so I will only add that we hope in the course of years to see anything up to 500 settlers on our property. I wonder if many have given thought to the enormous potentialities of irrigation when given such a magnificent climate as you have here, with soil unequalled in New Zealand. Take fruit. Is it too much to assert that the very low estimate of £150 per acre per annum can be taken off an orchard? From lucerne, where five cuts a year can be taken, £30 per acre is a low estimate. An acre of lucerne will grow at least eight tons of the very best of hay, worth from £5 to £6 per ton, without much labor. What a magnificent, chance for dairying and pig raising.
Is it generally known that there are more hours of sunshine here than in any other place in New Zealand? A splendid, dry, healthy climate, unequalled in the Dominion. I confidently say: Come one, come all, see what is being done, and then sit down and think whether this is not the place to settle in and make a comfortable home. Let "Onward, Otago." be your watchword, "optimism" your faith, "service" your religion. We shall want all in the new world that is dawning when peace is declared — a world where there will be little use for personal jealousies and obstructive tactics. If our Empire is to live and expand all must work in a spirit of service and tolerance.
I call upon all here to pledge themselves to the service of Otago by giving three hearty cheers for the province.
It was altogether a perfect day, and the result is so far a tribute to the work of the engineer (Mr Williams) and the contractors (Messrs Byrnes and Johnson). -Evening Star, 25/1/1918.
CROMWELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY'S EXPERIMENT
[Special to the 'Star.'] CROMWELL, January 28.
The second column at the Cromwell Development Company's works was lowered into the stream shortly after 9 o'clock this morning. A large gathering witnessed the event. The explosion sent the column in the desired direction, but when clear of its base the column landed on end behind the first one, with the lower part well in the air. Then it appeared to come back, as if to settle down just according to plans, but it was quickly seen that the column had broken in two pieces. The top portion settled below the point of the first one, and the other section lodged close in shore. Had the column not broken, it promised to be a great fall. With the alteration in the current, the large column lowered on Friday appeared to more down stream some feet, particularly at the base, but with the alteration of the stream it is difficult to judge yet. The engineer, interviewed afterwards, expressed himself as satisfied with the foundation now laid. Mr A. F. Rattray, secretary to the company, telegraphed: "No. 2 pillar successfully dropped. Engineer satisfied." -Evening Star, 28/1/1918.
Operations at the Cromwell Development Company's works are practically confined to the construction of another small pillar, a cube block of 18 feet, which is to be lowered in the gap on the south side between the first large pillar and the shore. The filling in on the road side has had good results, and it is hoped the pillar now being constructed will complete the weir. -Cromwell Argus, 9/12/1918.
BANNOCKBURN.
April 11 — The third concrete column at the Cromwell Development Company's scheme on the Kawarau River was lowered on Saturday, March 29. As the event was not made public, only a few residents witnessed the event. The column was an 18ft cubic block, and its purpose was to close a gap between the first column lowered and the bank. The result of the charge was exactly as was desired, and this contractors are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts. A great deal of work is yet required to complete the weir. -Otago Witness, 16/4/1919.
It is no exaggeration to say that the majority of the spectators who lined the banks of the Kawarau Gorge many months ago to witness the falling of the pillars which were part of the important operations of the Cromwell Development Company to obtain electric power from the Kawarau River were pessimistic as to the ultimate success of the scheme. They failed to realise that the huge pillars which were thrown across the river were only part of the engineering scheme, and when the river failed to rise immediately and the water to flow down the race cut into the side of the bank they freely condemned the project. Happily for the enterprise of the company and the welfare of the surrounding district, their forebodings have been proved to be wrong, and the success of the scheme is now assured. Despite the volume and speed of the Kawarau River, the pillars never shifted after settling down, and the second part of the operations was then proceeded with by the company's engineer (Mr F. B. Williams) and his contractors. This work was to fill in the back of the pillars with stone hewn from the banks, and as the river fell concrete was mixed in with the rocks to form a very solid backing. Gradually the backing was built up, and it is pleasing to record that, whereas, on the day the pillars were thrown across, the river was 7ft below the intake to the race, for the past two months it has been running 3ft deep in the race. The machinery for generating the electric power which is to pump the water up to a considerable height to enable it to be distributed over the Cromwell Flat — this machinery will be driven by the water from the race — is in position, and a start with the pumping will probably be made at the beginning of the new year. The engineering work of the scheme has aroused the greatest interest of engineers, not only in New Zealand, but in other countries, and Mr Williams and his contractors are to be heartily congratulated on the successful conclusion of their efforts. Mr P. R. Sargood is also deserving of praise for the enterprise he displayed, on behalf of the company, in giving concrete shape to what must in its initial stages have appeared a project bristling with almost insurmountable difficulties. -Otago Daily Times, 13/11/1919.
Very encouraging results are reported from the Cromwell Development Company's works on the Kawarau river (says the Cromwell Argus.) Early last week, with the river at a low summer level, a trial run was .made with the turbines, and better results could not have been desired. The results are all the more encouraging from the fact that the inlet to the main conduit had not been cleared being obstructed with much of the material deposited during the filling-in process. Another unofficial run will probably be held at an early date. The general wish is that the perseverance of the company will be rewarded and that the water will soon be available on the flat. It is satisfactory to know that the prospects are encouraging. -Tuapeka Times, 4/12/1920.
CROMWELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
Favoured by a low river, splendid progress has been made with the Cromwell Development Company’s scheme on the Kawarau river, under the direction of Mr Chas Johnson. At the point where the river is being raised the width was originally over 100 feet but with the work first carried out and the addition and extension of solid concrete breast-works the river has now been confined to a space of something like 40 feet, and the level raised considerably in consequence, During the summer months the river has never been known to remain at such a low level as for the past two months, and with a slight rise last week to about normal summer level the main conduit was running full. Additional work now being carried out will improve the position, and the success of the scheme seems assured. The necessary pipes for the completion of the line reached the site last week, and when these are fitted a trial run could be held, but the management intends to confine its activities to work on the river while the level is favourable. — Argus. -Cromwell Argus, 17/3/1921.
A few days ago it was announced in these columns that the Cromwell Development Company had had a trial run of the water which is to irrigate the Cromwell Flat. This was really an important event, as the beginning of the salvation of an area of 3,991 acres, practically the whole of the Cromwell Flat. The water is taken in from the Kawarau River, at a point about half a mile up the gorge. The concrete pillars that were there dropped across the river raised the level about 18in, and formed the foundation against which a weir of boulders and concrete was constructed, this having the effect of raising the stream at a low level approximately lift. What was done on the 18th inst. was to deliver for the first time the water into the main distributing, race. Mr F. J. Williams has planned and directed the engineering which has led to this successful result. Now another work is projected — namely, to raise this weir 5ft more for a length of 48ft, and thus provide for constant irrigation when the river is at low levels, either in summer or winter. In anticipation of this, another estate has been laid out on the company’s property adjoining Ripponvale, and already preparations are being made for the irrigating of some of the holdings in the new estate. Ripponvale’s great success this season is filling the orchardists with hope. Of the twenty-nine orchards into which Ripponvale was cut up all are taken but three, and the locality is a picture of prosperity. Ripponvale has its own sources of water supply from Lowburn Creek and a tributary of the Roaring Meg. -Evening Star, 23/6/1921.
The site of the Cromwell Development Company's works on the Kawarau river is again a centre of activity, with another effort being made to raise the level of the river and thus complete the scheme (says the Argus). Some twenty men are at present engaged thereon. A new idea is this time being followed, and given a favorable river should have every chance of succeeding. For the present scheme numerous old dredge ladders, relics of the historic boom days, have been brought into use. Four of the largest of these have been extended and will be thrown bodily across the stream, resting on a solid rock foundation on either side. Once across they will be joined up and with use of concrete will form the basis of a compound reinforced girder or main beam. When this is completed other smaller ladder sections will be coupled to it and lowered into the stream above with the object of ultimately making one huge grill in the stream. Above this a breastwork of heavy stones will be thrown in. It certainly seems quite a feasible proposition, and the general wish is that it will prove a success. Good progress is being made and the four long ladders for the main beam will probably be ready to place in position this week. -Lake County Press, 6/7/1922.
TAMING THE KAWARAU.
RIVER LEVEL ELEVATED 15ft.
NOW QUITE UNDER CONTROL.
GREAT WORK BY AN OTAGO ENGINEER.
Two weeks ago or thereabouts the fact was made public in this journal that the Cromwell Development Company had dammed the Kawarau River and raised the water to such a height as to enable it to be pumped into the main distributing race. The operations by which this great result was obtained are worth recording. They are important in themselves. They may lead to the solution of hydraulic problems in other parts of the dominion. The Kawarau, as most people know, takes its rise from the outflow of Lake Wakatipu at Frankton, and joins the Clutha River at Cromwell, the twain forming the Molyneux. It is one of the most turbulent streams in New Zealand, confined to a narrow rocky bed that has a great fall. Several attempts have been made to harness the Kawarau for irrigation and power purposes. The most recent of these was a scheme whereby two immense concrete pillars were built and then thrown across in the hope of forming the basis of a dam. This year the Cromwell Development Company engaged Mr E. J. Iles, mining engineer, to plan a means of damming this river. Mr Iles is an Otago man, who studied at the Mining School at the University, and subsequently settled at the Thames, where he lectured on geology and mining engineering. He accepted the commission, came back to Otago, started to work at the beginning of July, and before November was out he reported to the directors of the company that the job was completed. The scheme which Mr Iles thought out was of his own creation. So far as he knows it has never been tried before. He got no help from previous work on the river. The two fallen pillars were in the bed, and remain there. Another attempt, subsequent to the pillar scheme, was to elevate the river by abutments built on each bank. That also proved abortive. The abutments created a fierce current at the wrong place. Mr Iles blew them up and started on his own plan. The first constructive operation was to throw six steel girders across the river, at about 3ft above the lowest level, to form a superstructure or bridge. Then the whole of these girders were encased in concrete, thus forming a great reinforced concrete span weighing 4,750 tons. The position of these ivories is about seven miles above Cromwell, measuring by the course of the river, though only five miles or less by road. The next step was to make a grille on the upper side of the concrete bridge. Dredge ladders about 30ft long were procured and converted into girders. One by one these girders were let down, end on, into the torrent, in three sets, one set on each bank, the third resting on and bolted into the cross superstructure. These girders were not put in straight up and down, but at an angle, the feet well away from the banks and the superstructure. The immediate effect was to reduce the width of the river to 52ft. Imagine the fury of the Kawarau when thus restricted! It rushed through the 52ft gap at a rate which no man could measure, but it was estimated at 100ft per second. To fight back that surge was the crowning job. It was done, after much trouble and bard work, by putting down more girders. Then great rocks were thrown down on the outside, and, to quote the engineer, “up the wont” — in other words, the river rose and went over the top. The measured rise of the bed of the river at that point is 15ft as a minimum, consequently the elevation of the whole river above the dam, and giving the company the complete control of the scheme. Asked as to the strength of the dam in relation to the strength of the river, Mr Iles says that it had a severe trial, when only half finished, by a flood that put the whole of the works under water, and when the flood abated it was found that everything had stood firmly, though not strengthened up. As the dam, before completion, survived such a strain, it must he immovable now. The engineer adds that the total pressure is only 2,000 tons, and the superstructure weighs 4,750 tons, so that the force of gravity would suffice to hold it. The Kawarau water is thus brought to such a height as to be available for the company's purpose by tunnelling or otherwise. The main distributing race is cut on the flat, and everything is in readiness for the reticulation, which can be undertaken as required by the settlers. It would be possible to turn on the water within a fortnight. The problem of irrigating the Cromwell basin is now solved. There will be an abundance of water for it so long as Mount Earnslaw stands and so long as the law of evaporation continues in forte. -Evening Star, 5/12/1922.
In 1923 a new dam was announced at the top of the Kawarau River. Its purpose was to control the flow of the river so that large stretches could be dewatered and made accessible to miners. Naturally, the Cromwell Development Company objected to the idea of someone else controlling the flow of the Kawarau. The new dam went ahead, producing a sometimes uneasy relationship with the Company.
DAMMING KAWARAU.
FINAL SPACE NARROWED.
MINOR SPACES BLOCKED.
Not very much is said about the great work that the Cromwell Development Company has in hand — the raising of the level of the Kawarau River so as to irrigate the Cromwell Flat. It has gone beyond the talking stage. Men of action are at work, and making steady progress in full confidence of being able to achieve the object in view — namely, to have the water ready for reticulated delivery to orchardists and others some time in October of this year. Mr P. R. Sargood, who has just returned to Dunedin after a prolonged visit to the works, informed a ‘Star' reporter to-day that during his visit good progress was made with the further strengthening of the final space that has to be done, and he is glad to say that owing to the very low state of the river the company has been successful in concreting in three more large dredge ladders and anchoring them firmly. Further, by a judicious use of old dredge buckets, the company has been successful in blocking several of the minor spaces, and has every hope of having the water on the flat within a very short time. A team is at present busy constructing delivery races from the end of the main distributing race. -Evening Star, 22/8/1922.
CENTRAL IRRIGATION.
CROMWELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY’S WORK.
WATER TURNED ON THIS WEEK.
“A NEW ERA.”
The efforts of the Cromwell Development Company to irrigate Cromwell Flat with water from the Kawarau River have at last been brought to fruition, the pumping plant having been started on Wednesday of this week and delivered the much-desired water to the flat. The successful culmination of the scheme may be regarded as a matter of importance not only to the Cromwell district, but to the whole of the province. To many who have taken an interest in the development of Central Otago, it is the beginning of an era of prosperity which will assist Otago to regain her commercial prestige of other years and to rival our sister cities of the north, which in many ways have outdistanced us. The importance of the scheme may be gauged by the fact that when the plant is in full working order it will irrigate no less an area than 4,000 acres. Ultimately about forty-five heads of water will be used, and later on it is hoped to achieve a twofold purpose by using the water power to electrify the district. It is estimated that there will be room on the flat for 250 families. At present the district is chiefly devoted to fruit growing, but it is probable that dairying and other branches of farming may be introduced after the place has been irrigated. “The turning on of the water,” said Mr P. R. Sargood (who has been the leading spirit in the concern), “will mean the beginning of a new era. We have waited for the water for a long, long time, operations first being commenced about 1911." The success of other irrigation schemes in Central Otago has been so marked that Mr Sargood’s words in respect to a new era seem more than justified. The apples grown in irrigated ground in the Central compare more than favorablv with those from any other part of New Zealand, and the price on the Home market has been very satisfactory of late. Then there is the new avenue of trade which has been opened up in South America. -Evening Star, 6/12/1923.
It is feared that last week’s flood water in the Kawarau has done serious damage to the Cromwell Development Company's works. The river is still high, and it is impossible to see exactly what happened, but it is thought that at least one of the gates at the intake has been carried away. -Otago Daily Times, 17/1/1924.
The much discussed application for a license to dam the Kawarau at the outlet of Lake Wakatipu, came to a head at Queenstown last Friday, when the Warden (Mr G. Cruickshank) granted the application for a license, subject to a lengthy list of conditions, imposed to protect various interests, near and far, from the site of the proposed dam, in case of damage or harmful effect as the result of damming the Kawarau. The conditions are so wide-spread and so drastic in many respects, that the scheme seems less feasible than ever. The original proposal, which no doubt appeared attractive, namely to lay bare the bed of the river and thus secure easy access to probable pockets of gold never before accessible, seems to be destroyed by the condition that 1060 heads of water have to be delivered to the Cromwell Development Company at their existing intake in the Kawarau. No reasonable person but will wish the scheme well, if it is at all feasible, but the Asquithian policy of "wait and see" will be the safest when one is tempted to forecast the possible future of a scheme which is certainly daring in conception, if possible in execution burdened with so many conditions. -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 23/1/1924.
IRRIGATION.
The Cromwell Development Company's steadily extending the area under irrigation on the vast Cromwell flat. Twenty heads of water are being pumped from the Kawarau, and the large irrigation race now extends along past the Cromwell Hospital. Here a large additional area has been put down in grass and clover, with a covering crop of oats, and is doing remarkably well. It is another illustration of what the soil will produce given an adequate water supply. In all, the company now has some 800 acres commanded by its scheme, and the system will be steadily extended. -Otago Daily Times, 23/11/1927.
A serious mishap occurred at the end of this week on the Cromwell Development Company's main race from the river to the power-house. At a point slightly up-stream from where the race turns into the bank, some three chains of the retaining wall has been completely carried away, while the inside wall has also come down for some distance. The flood in the river is not considered to be responsible for this unfortunate mishap, and no definite solution can be given. The work of repairs will be a big undertaking and will occupy a gang of men for some time. In all respects the mishap is particularly unfortunate. -Cromwell Argus, 8/10/1928.
All inspection of the damage to the Cromwell Development Company's race was made recently by the company's engineer, Mr V. J. Williams. It is now understood that to provide for the present irrigation season temporary repairs will he carried out by means of fluming. -Cromwell Argus, 22/10/1928.
