The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Mining — The Mount Ida Water Race
Mining.
The Mount Ida Water Race , which was constructed by the Government in 1876 at a cost of over £70,000, was designed to supply the miners of Naseby with power for hydraulic sluicing. The water is drawn from the head of the Hawkdun range, and extends a distance of seventy miles to Naseby, where it is capable of providing twenty-three sluice heads of water. Mr. Roderick Murray, the officer in charge of the race, collects the revenue and arranges to supply for mining purposes. The water works of the borough of Naseby are fed from the Mount Ida water race.