IRRIGATION OF WAITOHI.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1177, 22 November 1883, Page 3

IRRIGATION OF WAITOHI.

w ; -A meeting convened by Mr John Talbot was held in the Waitohi Schoolroom last Tuesday evening, at which between 70 * and 80 people were present. After ,» having laid plans of the proposed irrigation on the table Mr Talbot said he had 1 called the meeting for the purpose of discussing the proposition of getting a water ! '* supply for the district. It was not r , necessary to hold the meeting, but he thought it was .better that they should hold it so that they might hear what was to be said for and against it, and undcr- , stand the position exactly. The movei ment was not a new one. All of them f who had gone northwards had, no doubt, seen water races running across the . plains. Ii was at first thought useless, - ’ but experience had proved that it has added to the value of land from LI to LI 10s per acre. When he first took his aeaton the Council there was nothing . ~ doing, and the Rangitata bridge hung like ■ a dark cloud over it. He then thought ■ the Waitohi district suitable for irrigation, ’»■ • • and he suggested that an engineer should ' ‘ be got to give a rough estimate of the ; - ‘ cost, but the Council did not adopt his proposition until a requisition from the district had been presented. A report from the Engineers was then got, but ” there was not sufficient power to

. go on with the work. He took some trouble to get a Special Act passed, and tlte Bill was prepared by Mr Williams, of Christchurch, but it was declared a .. Private Bill, and some of the Standing Orders were not complied with and it r did not pass. It, however, had the effect jiii: of the provisions being inserted in the Amendment to the Counties Act, which .gave all the powers required. The area , about to be taken into the irrigation scheme was set qown by the Engineers at

: 7)00 or 8000 acres. This could _be r.atered with advantage, and now they lad to look at the cost of it, and see Whether it would be worth it. The Engineers estimated that the cost would be L 2040. Say that 7000 acres were irrigated, and the valuation of that would be LlO per acre, the total valuation would be L 70,000, which, at |d in the £, would yield L2lB 15s. The Act gave power to rate up to six farthings in the £, but he ' thought that three farthings would be all they would require. Setting down the cost of the work at L 2,500, this could be borrowed from the Government at 6jper cent. The Government had always trust money in hand, and hud replied to the County Council that they were ready to lend it at 6 per cent provided the security was good. The interest on L 2,500 at 6 per cent would amount to Ll5O, about 1 per cent of which, which would make L 25 a year, would be necessary for a sinking fund, which he believed would pay off the debt in thirty-six years. The maintenance of the works would be very little, say L3O. The yearly cost, therefore, would be Ll5O, sinking fund L 25, and maintenance L3O, making in all L 205, and as the income from a rate would bo L2lB, there would be a sufficient margin. It was quite possible 8000 acres would be brought into the scheme, and probably the valuation would be higher. Some of the land was valued at Ll2 per acre. They would also see that he had set down L 2500 as against the Engineers’ estimate of L 2040, so that it was very evident a rate of |d in the £ would be ample. The next point was, what would they get for this 1 They all knew the difficulty they had to get water without going to a great depth, and then it was bad, and the question was whether they could get it cheaper this way than by sinking pumps,wells, windmills, etc., and keep them in order. He believed the value of the land would be so increased that it would be a considerable asset if they wanted to sell, and that anyone buying it would think it a great inducement. The Act limited the borrowing power to 10s per acre, so that no locality should be able to borrow more than it could pay. They would not want 10s per acre. He believed about 7s per acre would do. . Seven shillings per acre would be L 2450 on 7000 acres, and as he estimated that L 2500 would be sufficient, and the Engineers’ estimate was on'y L 2040, they could see that 7s per acre would be sufficient. Say that 7s per acre was borrowed on 100 acres, that would mean L 35 and the interest on this would be about L2 10s per annum. That was, L2 10 a year they would have to pay for the water for 100 acres.

A voice ; That’s pretty stiff. Mr Talbot confined to say that he put

it in this way- before them so that they could not say they had been deluded into it. He thought it was worth it, and it was for them to say whether they would have it. They should not look upon it as a tax, but as money paid for a commodity received. Let them count the cost of putting down wells, and then have a bad, uncertain supply. He next read the Engineers’ report as follows : “ Report and Estimate of costs by F. W. Merchant, and G. Laing-Meaaon. “Source of supply. The source of supply will be from a permanent channel of the Opihi River, close beside the Sandstone Cliffs, near Prentice’s farm, marked A on the plan. We propose to take water out of this channel by means of a large timber filter box sunk in the river bpd, and supported on piles driven therein; the box being covered with a close grating to prevent gravel passing into it. Close behind the filter box is a self-acting flood sluice, which, when the river is in flood will automatically shut off the supply according to the amount the river rises; thus preventing a heavy rush of water into the main race; and consequently obviating any chance of injury to the works from that cause. We are of opinion that a dam or any obstruction to the free flow of the river would be always in a state of doubtful stability; and we have every confidence that the plan we propose iyill be found eminently successful, and it does not interfere with any existing conditions. “From the point A the water will be carried in an open race cut out of the sidling of the river terrace to Ray’s farm, where it tops the terrace. From here the race is carried on as gentle a fall as possible, to the point marked B on plan. Thence the main race will run down the side of the road and along a natural channel in front of the Spur Hotel; and. will end by feeding natural channels passing through the subdivisions of R.S. 7099 and discharging into, the Rangitira Greek. , . .. . “There will be no difficulty m obtamauch a body of water from our source of supply as will give a strong flow through all the races and .channels of the system. “Limits of country watered—We are sorry it is- not possible to carry water higher up the Waitohi Flat than we propose to do; but the levels will not permit it. Under the circumstances of this case, it is not practicable to take water out of the Opihi higher up than the point we have fixed on; for the ground is so broken and precipitous that the cost of raising water from the river to the top of the terrace would considerably exceed the cost of the whole of our scheme. We think, however, should water bo demanded in the higher part of the Waitohi Flat an independent supply might perbaps be designed for it, at a moderate cost. We are not prepared, however, to give a positive opinion on that head. “We are not able to define the limits of the water supply in the neighborhood of Ternnka, for we are intoed that landowners there have a sufficient natural supply independently of this scheme ; so that, as far as we can judge, the actual area required to be watered would not exceed 7000 or 8000 acres. “ We may add that by The Ashburton Waterworks Act, 1879,’ the water supply district there is defined as extending to . a distance not exceeding one mile outside the outer lines of the water mains. “ The highest line to which water can be carried by this scheme is shewn on the plan by a green tinted line. “ Distribution of Water.—lt was our original intention to have laid out the distribution of the water in the same manner as in irrigation works—that is by delivering a certain quantity of water to each holding, according to its acreage. This would have made the works the most oomp’ete possible, but we were obliged to abandon the idea on account of the expense, We now propose to cut races where shown by the rod lines on the plans and to turn into each of the natural

channels, shown by the blue lines on plan, a good flow rf water from the races. By reference to the plan it will be seen that, by this means, water ia ccrried through every holding. In laying off the races [we will avoid cutting up the land more than can possibly be helped, by keeping to fence lines wherever practicable. “The holdings in this district are generally so small and subdivided, that we are quite unable to do more than take the water through each holding,leaving the question of a more minute division of it, to arrangement between the Council and landowners. We would suggest, however, that all persons who desire the water to be distributed through their various paddocks should, before a certain date, apply to the Council, who would cause estimates to be made of the cost of these distributing races, and on applicants depositing the estimated amount with the Council that that body should carry out the work, it being clearly understood that in all cases the water must bo returned to the Council’s races. “Purchase of Land—There will be no necessity to do more in this direction than purchase the strip of land along the Opihi River Terrace containing about 16 acres.

“Each landowner whose property is intersected by one of the Council’s races or by a natural channel into which water has been turned, will have to sign an agreement with the Council to the effect that right of entry for all purposes connected with the regulation of water or repairs to the works shall be given unconditionally. This ia the way they manage in the Ashburton and Selwyn Counties. We, at first, intended that the lines of the races should be marked on each owner’s title deeds, but we are informed by the authorities in Christchurch that this is practically impossible, without very great trouble and expense. “Maintenance. —We are of opinion that it is quite unnecessary to make any provision for regular and constant maintenance on these works, and that £SO per annum will be sufficient to allow for it. With the self-acting flood regulator we have designed, it is quite impossible for a heavy rush to of flood water to enter the race, so that no attendance is necessary at the headworks to shut down the sluice in flood time. “ For the simple general maintenance of the race, we would suggest the following course for consideration of the Council; —That they should appoint either c£ ourselves or the Surveyor to the Temuka Road Board to make a general inspection of the works every three months for the first year, and every six months afterwards. If the Temuka Road Board would consent, any IHtle repairs needed could be done by the surfacemen, and the Council charged with the work. “Estimate of Cost—We have carefully and liberally estimated the cost of carrying out the works according to out designs, as under Total construction and necessary fencing ... ... ...£I7OO Land purchase, say 16 acres at £5... 80 Inspection during construction, say.. 60 Engineering and contingent expenses ... ... ... 200

Total £2040 “We have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servants, “F. W. Marcuant, A.M, Inst. C.E. “G. Laxnq Meason, C.E.”

He next read the clause of the Counties Act bearing on the subject, and continued to say that a bare majority of the ratepayers would carry the proposal. They had the advantage of having plans before them, they had all necessary information, and if action were taken at all they ought to proceed at once. There was a great deal of red tapeism to be complied with, and if they went to work now they would probably have the water next summer. There was another point. Efforts were being made to suspend the County Council, but he was rather of opinion that the scheme would not fall through on that account. There was a clause in the Act which said immediately the County Council was suspended its duties devolved on the Road Boards. It was doubtful whether the Road Boards would have the power to borrow the money, and other difficulties might crop up. The Council was undoubtedly the' more powerful body. If they could do with the Road Boards he would be in favor of suspending the Council, but he was of opinion that it was'better to have the Council. Of course the dissatisfaction with it was got up through having to pay for the Rangitata Bridge, but the question was would they not have to pay for keeping the main thoroughfares in repair 1 at any rate, as the Government were determined on having nothing to do with roads and bridges in Parliament. The cost of the Rangitata bridge fell on the whole district between the Rakaia and Pareora. The two local bodies interested could have paid il if they liked, bat they had a good round sum to their credit and they stuck to it. A small district could not keep such a bridge up, and it would fall through because the Governmeut would do nothing in the matter of roads and bridges. Mr Moody believed the duties would devolve upon the Road Boards as soon as the Counties Act was suspended. There was a provision in the Act for the Chairmen of Road Boards to meet once a year. Their duties were to elect a Chairman and to allocate funds. He thought that meant that the Counties Act would remain in existence in this form. But perhaps it was not necessary to refer to it, as he believed the petition would get sufficient signatures to suspend it. He thought it was wrong to do it in this way, and public meetings ought to have been first held, and the matter explained. A voice: How long has the Counties Act been in existence 1

Mr Talbot said since 1976, but it was not brought into force for some time in the district. The construction of the Rangitata bridge was vested in the Ashburton Council and he believed they had the power to compel this County to pay its share. He believed the Governor could compel this county to pay, A voice : How much has been spent bv it. Mr Talbot said he had not the papers with him and could not answer.

Mr Orton thought the meeting was for a water race and not about the Council. Mr Talbot: Yes, but the question of the water race depends to a great extent onthe Council. Mr Nicholson: Don’t you think, Mr Talbot, wo could do without it.

Mr Talbot: Yea, if the Road Boards could do the work.

Mr Nicholson : Don’t you think yourself capable of it ? (Laughter). Mr Talbot, in reply, instanced * the Opilii biidge. The Temuka Board frequently asked the Levels Board to assist in this work but the reply always was no funds. Tliis bridge cost Temuka L2OOO, They paid L 1000; the Council had LSOOO to divide, and one-fifth of that was Temuka’s share. This was also given to the Opihi bridge. Mr Orton : Had not the Council L6OOO to commence with ?

Mr ; No. It did not get it for some time after. The real amount it had was L4OOO. Ho would like to know the feeling of the meeting on the question of irrigation. Mr Nicholsoh : Will the rate fall on the landlord or the tenant 1 Mr Talbot said that on land let on lease the tenant would have to pay. Mr Nicholson: That settles it. I'll oppose it. Mr Wright: The general impression is hat the whole of the Waitohi would be rated.

Mr TaLot: Only the district that would ~se jhe water would be rated.

Mr Moore asked whether they could compel landowners to sell the land for a water race ? How was it that L 5 was put down for the purchase of the land and valuation at L 10?

Mr Talbot explained the power could be got under the Public Works Act to compel owners of land to sell it for a water race. The land which would have to be purchased was the side of a terrace and L 5 an acre was enough for it. Mr Baxter asked were there provisions made for paying for all the sheep and cattle that would be lost in the race 1

Mr Wright: You might charge the owners of the sheep and cattle for the damage they would do the race. (Laughter). Mr Fraser pointed out that if the land was increased in value, their valuation would be raised, and they would have to pay extra rates and taxes. A voice : He is afraid his land will be made so valuable that his rates will be too heavy. (Laughter). Mr Talbot thought that the increased revenue which would be derived from the increased value of the land was an argument in favor of the Road Board or County Council subsidising the work. Mr Currie wanted to know whether provisions were made for floods. Flumes would be necessary to put across the streams.

Mr Talbot said that would be a very small matter. It would be very easy to put flumes across the streams. The race would come down by Ray’s land on to Mr McSheeby-Gentleraun’s. Mr Hullen’s and those above that would bo out of it, and would have not to pay. Mr D. Young moved—“ That this meeting approves of the irrigation scheme submitted by Mr Talbot.”

Mr Orr seconded the motion. Mr Currie: Are we to take the plans as they are 1 Mr Talbot: No, nothing at this meeting will be binding. The object is to test the feeling of the people as to the proposal. Mr Fraser said as there was a strong feeling against it, ho would move, as an amendment—“ That this meeting does not approve of the water scheme.” Mr Moore seconded the amendment.

Mr Talbot said the district would be defined, and that any one outside the boundaries would not be rated and could not vote.

Mr Baxter said that any land within a mile of a water race in Ashburton was rated.

Mr Talbot explained that they were working under a special Act there. Here they were working under the County Councils Act, which was different. Mr Wright asked if a man lived within the district and could not get water, would he have to pay 1 Mr Talbot thought that anyone within the district would have to pay. Mr Nicholspn: Supposing I had no water, and did not want to pay, could you compel me ] Mr Talbot: Certainly. Mr Nicholson : That settles it. lam against it. Mr Fraser asked if a man had property inside the district and property out of it would he have to pay for both 1 Mr Talbot said he would not.

Mr Nicholson thought water would be permanent property, and that the landlord ought' lo pay the rates. Mr Talbot said that would be a matter of arrangement between the landlord and tenant.

On the amendment being put it was pointed out that Mr Fraser lived out of the district, and that consequently he could not move it.

Mr Talbot invited someone living in the district to put his name on the amendment instead of Mr Fraser’s. Mr McCabe then .moved the amendment, and on being put only 3or 4 hands were held up for it, The motion was then put and carried, Mr Talbot said that the carrying of the resolution was of no consequence ; it only showed that the meeting was favorable to it. He thanked them for their attendance.

Mr Nicholson thought it would be very good for the owners of property, and hoped no one would go away with the impression that it would do them no good, Mr Fraser moved a vote of thanks to Mr Talbot for the trouble he had taken in the matter.

Mr Nicholson seconded it. Mr Talbot said that he wished to say a word or two before parting. Sheep dips were very expensive, and he had the idea in his head that if they got a public sheep dip for the place it would be very useful. He did not intend to delay them now to consider that, but he thought it would be worth while to consider the matter. The meeting then terminated.