IRRIGATION PROGRAMME

Evening Star, Issue 22445, 16 September 1936, Page 12

IRRIGATION PROGRAMME

THE MANIOTDTO SCHEME FRUIT DEVELOPMENTS Although the appropriation for irrigation works for some years past has, compared with-appropriations from the Public Works Fund for certain other purposes, been a relatively small one (says the Public Works. Statement, presented to-day), irrigation .' works have this important feature, that they create an asset on the land and build up the prosperity of the country both directly and indirectly ._ Certain large areas with deficient rainfall have productive capacity far below normal without irrigation, but under irrigation are capable of ranking equally, from a productive point of view, with other lands favoured by the most favourable climatic conditions in New Zealand. I am satisfied j as a result of my investigations during the time I have held the portfolio of Public Works, that as an avenue for the expenditure of Public Works funds, irrigation works should take a very high place. While this is so, it has to be remembered that, from the very nature of the enterprise, irrigation works require most careful planning and investigation; moreover y, arrangements for finance involve negotiations in many cases with settlers, and detailed discussions with the Departments of Lands arid Agriculture and' with Treasury. This accounts for what may appear the delay in putting certain projects in hand, but I am hopeful that before the end of this financial year work in hand will be speeded up, and that one major scheme in Otago, under investigation for some time, will be commenced. This 5s the Maniototo irrigation scheme, which could supply water to a gross area of 83,000 acres, but as a first development it is proposed to undertake work to supply water to 30,000 acres, at an estimated cost of £393,000. Surveys of distributaries and preparation of estimates and plans in relation to this first stage have occupied the year. Consideration is at present being given to acquiring certain areas of land that would be benefited, but all is in order for an immediate commencement with the work as soon as the Government’s final approval is available.