TRANSFORMATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2170, 21 April 1908, Page 2

TRANSFORMATION.

BARREN COUNTRY TO BE MADE RICH LAND. THE VALUE GF IRRIGATION. Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 20. As a result of his visit to Central Otago, the Prime .Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, says he is convinced of the immense importance of irrigation to that part of the Dominion. The object of this visit was primarily to look into the possibilities of turning what is now almost a waste into a first-class agricultural district by tlio complete process of irrigation. “That this cab be done,” said the Minister, ."has been demonstrated. The results of email private irrigation schemes showed that splendid crops could be grown on what otherwise would be barren land.” As to the cost, the Premier mentioned that in the case of one area of 80,000 acres, much of it Crown lands, the estimated expense of providing water was £IO,OOO. The Government is making preparations for carrying out an irrigation scheme on scientific lines. A considerable portion of the area proiiosed to be irrigated is served by the Otago Central railway, tlie receipts from which will he greatly increased by tlie additional settlement that is bound to take place. A strong force of surveyors is now at work gathering data, and when that information' is available, the highest engineering skill will be secured to report on the various schemes.