Nov. % 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S. V. 88S 



the natural state of the Falls ; certain deviations would be necessary, and 

 public feeling was against the project on the ground of spoiling or detracting 

 from the original beauty of the place. 



In connection with similar power available in New South Wales, it will be 

 remembered that over ten years ago a scheme was seriously considered for the 

 purpose of lighting Sydney by electricity by means of power from the Colo 

 Falls on the Grose River. Though not deemed sufficient for so big an enter- 

 prise it is quite evident that a vast amount of power is obtainable from this 

 source. Another source is the 8nowy River. In a recent leading article the 

 Sydney Bulletin says, " There are scores or rather hundreds of places on 

 the Snowy, both above and below the (Dalgety) capital site* where turbines^ 

 could be erected, and unlimited power transmitted." 



It has been suggested that it might be practicable to harness our North 

 Coast tidal rivers, which have a I'apider current, and consequently a 

 stronger force than those further south, with the object of wresting power 

 therefrom for industrial purposes. It is by some objected that the cost 

 would be too great, but the matter deserves attention. 



It is certain that a vast amount of energy which could be utilised for 

 generating electricity goes to waste from our artesian bores. According to 

 the latest available information published by the Bureau of Statistics there 

 are fifty-eight completed Government flowing bores, with an annual output 

 of about 9,600,000,000 gallons ; and there are in addition over 2-50 private 

 bores, the complete supply of which cannot be accurately stated. Such a 

 diminution in the output of some of the bores has, however, lately been 

 observed that a Commission has been suggested to investigate the matter. 



The question of utilising the artesian bores for power has been raised by 

 others, quite recently by Mr. Symmonds, of the Chemist's Branch of this 

 Department, who is conducting the nitric acid experiments on the soil at the 

 Moree Irrigation Farm. The problem of using the bore-water for both 

 watering and power purposes, however, presents serious difficulties. But 

 whatever threshing out this demands, the subject has undoubtedly occupied 

 serioiis attention from scientific and other able writers, amongst whom may 

 be mentioned Prof. Mason in America, and Mr. Gibbons Cox, C.E., of our 

 own State. Further infoi'mation in this connection, as well as on one or two 

 othei' points dealt with in this article, is given by Mr. Symmonds in Bulletin 

 No. 12 of this Department, copies of which can be obtained free on 

 application to the Under Secretary for Agriculture. 



We have seen that the Cyanamide Works at Bruhl, in Germany, use steam- 

 power on account of the cheapness of coal. This raises the point whether 

 alongside our large collieries, with their vast quantities of refuse coal avail- 

 able as cheap fuel, such works could not be established in this State. There 

 are several large coke-works where the refuse coal is treated, and here, too, 

 a very large proportion of heat goes to waste whicli could be turned inta 

 steam power. 



* Since rejected. 



