PROPOSED IRRIGATION SCHEME.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 16 March 1910, Page 3

PROPOSED IRRIGATION SCHEME.

IX CENTUAL OTAGO

THE GOVERNMENT'S IXTKXTIONS.

The Government has decided to call for tenders in connection with a proposed irrigation scheme for the Stewart Settlement, some forty miles from Oainarn, which was acquired for the Government some time ago under the Lands for Settlement scheme. Meanwhile "reparations are being made for carrying out the scheme of irrigation lor the whole of Central Otago, for which a loan of r'H),000 was authorised by Parliament two weeks ago. Survey parties are now at work gaugh l the levels and creeks, and laying off areas for reservoirs, and selecting the blacks suitable for irrigation. Tt is anticipated that the scheme when completed will provide means for securing the whole of the rainfall on the Upper Tairri Plains, and the construction of waterraces round two sides of the Maniotnfo PI ains, and probably down one side of the Ida Valley to Ophir and Alexandra. The water supply thus obtained will not only be used for irrigation purposes, where the hind is suitable for that pupese. but- also for generating electrical power from several of the larger rivers, with a view of establishing stations from which to pump water on to the flats. The reports of the engineers have not vet been received by the Public Works Department as to which will be the most suitable and eionomic scheme, and until they arc available no further st-"os can be taken in the matter. The scheme is of the greatest importance to that part of New 7,' aland, i'"' the area affected is ::f very considerable extent and the final reports of the engineers are awaited with considerable interest.