NOT ENCOURAGING
MINISTER'S REPLY TO IRRIGATION PROPOSALS MAHiOTOTO AND UPPER CLUTHA The following reply was received by the Harbour Board from the Minister of Public Works ’(Hon. R. Semple) in respect of a proposal by the board to inaugurate an irrigation scheme for Maniototo and Upper Clntha. A deputation from the board and from a number of other local bodies had waited upon the Minister whim ho was in Dunedin, and Mi* Semple had suggested that a written report should be forwarded to him. This had been done and the Minister replied:— “ With reference to your representations in connection with the Maniototo and Upper Clutha irrigation schemes, I wish to explain that while (as I think you will be aware) 1 am strongly in favour of irrigation and fully appreciate the benefits it confers, there are one or two points which must not be overlooked when considering the construction of new schemes such as these. First, even if the Maniototo and Upper Clutha irrigation schemes were undertaken under the most favourable circumstances it would take at least three years to develop them to full production. It is obvious i;h ere " fore that their prosecution would be extremely unlikely to assist the Dominion’s war effort, which demands immediate increased production. Secondly, under war conditions the requisite plant and materials, representing approximately 40 per cent, of the total cost, would bo unobtainable. Thirdly, the large amount which would be involved in the purchase of imported materials would still further embarrass the exchange position, and. if ordered, would deprive consumers of immediate necessities to a greater extent than at present. Fourthly, my department’s depicted staff of engineers, surveyors, and skilled workmen is required for completing works already in hand, many of them of more pressing necessity than long-range irrigation schemes. As a matter of fact, even if the Government did make funds available for a commencement with either the Maniototo or Upper Clntha irrigation schemes, it would be quite impossible to divert sufficient staff and machinery to make a start, and that position, for obvious reasons, is likely to become aggravated rather than eased. You will have gathered from the Foregoing that the prospects of a favourable reply to your representations are at this juncture far from encouraging.” The chairman (Mr .1. B. Waters! said there did not appear to be any possibility of immediate action in the matter. They bad. however, a duty to the board and to the other bodies to make the representations.
Mr R. S. Thompson moved that the letter bo received. It was regrettable that there should he so little prospect of the scheme being undertaken. The chairman, however, was to he complimented on his excellent report. The Chairman remarked that thanks were due to the secretary of the hoard (Air ,T. Renton) and to the Chamber of Commerce for their assistance in the comniling of the report. The letter was received.
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Evening Star, Issue 23692, 27 September 1940, Page 12
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484NOT ENCOURAGING Evening Star, Issue 23692, 27 September 1940, Page 12
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