Irrigation Issue ‘Should Not Die’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31001, 5 March 1966, Page 22

Irrigation Issue ‘Should Not Die’

Proposals for an irrigation scheme between the Waimakariri and Selwyn rivers should not be allowed to die and Paparua, Malvern and Ellesmere, as the three counties affected, should maintain their interest, Cr. H. H. Deans told the Malvern County Council at its meeting yesterday.

The council was considering reports on the recent meeting of representatives of the three counties, when the District Commissioner of Works (Mr D. B. Dallas) explained the scheme, and it was agreed to support it in principle and pursue the proposals. “I would not like to see this scheme left, but it needs more publicity,” said Cr. Deans. “Government policy could be more flexible than it is with the Ashburton irrigation.

“Study of these proposals could lead to their wider acceptance in this area, but many people are not fully aware of them.” Cr. Deans said that there had been a feeling at the joint meeting that Government policy, requiring a 60 per cent vote in favour of a scheme, did not cover those mainly interested in irrigation, the young men who wanted to get an irrigated farm.

There was also a feeling that there should be a demonstration area to show how irrigation worked with Malvern’s mixed-cropping type of farming. The council had to look beyond its present ratepayers and find some means to help young men get on to highlyproductive irrigated farms, said Cr. M. R. Voice. Cr. A. D. Worsfold said that it was 15 years since the

initial survey. Farmers should be given more up-to-date information. “Who makes the next approach?" asked Cr. W. R. Oliver.

“The Ministry of Works is looking for a lead,” said Cr. Deans. “Propaganda is needed to get 60 per cent in favour, or to change the system. It is a negative attitude for the Ministry to say it won’t go ahead without 60 per cent support.” If a district scheme could not be decided on, said Cr. Deans, the council could well go ahead on its own. exploiting the potential of its extensive water-race system. The council agreed to send a report of the joint meeting to the Canterbury Progress League, and to ask for the league’s support.