INCH CLUTHA, AND HOW TO IMPROVE IT.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 172, 26 October 1877, Page 5

INCH CLUTHA, AND HOW TO IMPROVE IT.

A contributor sends the following suggestions upon the above subject : — Anyone looking at Inch Clutha will observe that only a mere strip along the river bank is yet cultivated, the greater part of the land on the island being still unimproved. One is naturally led to ask how this is so, and the answer that suggests itself is either that the owners have not been united in action, or that they have not adopted a proper system. With a view to bringing the whole of the island under cultivation, I would suggest the following course : — Let a culvert be placed at the end of each cross road capable of carrying off the water and keeping the roads dry in the winter when the river is at its lowest level ; each culvert to be provided with a stop valve to be shut upon the ris2 of the river. Then let the centre road ditch be widened and deepened, and at the bottom end provide mechanical moans for lifting over what water is not carried oft' by laws of gravitation. This would keep the whole of the land dry in winter, and allow tho plough and all farming operations to be carried on during the winter and spring. Then embankments should be raised to prevent an overflow of the river in time of a flood. These embankment*, would have to be raised according to levels to a height of from three to seven feet, and of sufficient width at base to stand the weight of water. This done tho whole area of Inch Clutha could be profitably cultivated. The plan I suggest would only be following out the natural circumstances, the river being lowest in winter and spring, and highest during summer. Anyone can see that the land on tlie river banks is higher than the centre of tlie island. What is wanted to be done is to dry the land in winter and keep out the summei* freshet. The question will naturally be asked would it pay to. carry out such works as I have indicated. I believe it would pay well, because if some four thousand or more acres of -the richest of land can be improved, and security obtained for the crops grown upon the land now cultivated, this will represent iv value something like from L 12.000 to L 15.000, which coming to the Clutha district would be a benefit to the whole population. The works themselves would employ labour, and would enable fanners largely to employ labour. This would cause the circu--lation of a considerable amount of money In the district. The plan I have suggested for the improvement of Inch Clutha must, I think, commend itself to everyone, and I hope to see some united action taken, in llic matter. '■- ' '