Plans for irrigation

Some particulars of the Government's proposals in connection with the irrigation of Central Otago and a small portion of North Otago are given in the Wellington Post.

The Government, it is said, has decided to call for tenders in connection with a proposed irrigation scheme for the Steward Settlement, some 40 miles from Oamaru, which was acquired some years ago under the land for settlements scheme.

Meanwhile preparations are being made for carrying out the scheme of irrigation for the whole of Central Otago, for which a loan of £100,000 was authorised by Parliament two years ago.

Survey parties are now at work gauging the levels and creeks, and laying off areas for reservoirs, and selecting the blocks suitable for irrigation.

It is anticipated that the scheme, when completed, will provide means for securing the whole of the rainfall on the Upper Taieri Plains, and the construction of water-races round two sides of the Maniototo Plains, 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 land is suitable for that purpose, but also for generating electrical power from several of the larger rivers, with a view to establishing stations from which to pump water on to the flats.

The reports of the engineers have not yet been received by the Public Works Department as to which will be the most suitable and economic scheme, and until they are available, no further steps can be taken in the matter.

The scheme is of the greatest importance to that part of New Zealand, as the area affected is of very considerable extent, and the final reports of the engineers are awaited with considerable interest.

• Hanmer Springs: The Hon T. Mackenzie arrived at Hanmer yesterday, and was waited upon by a deputation, which brought several matters under his notice.

Amongst the requests made was one that the Government should take over the control of the township, so that drainage, lighting, sanitation, and like matters might be properly attended to.

It was asked that steps be taken to ensure the purity of the water supply in flood, and that higher-powered motor cars should be used between Hanmer and Culverden, as visitors were now put to considerable inconvenience owing to somewhat frequent breakdowns.

Replying, the Minister said that for 11 months last year the revenue from all sources at Hanmer totalled £1353, whilst the expenditure amounted to £3294 - or a loss of over £1900.

Until he could see some means of increasing the revenue he was not disposed to agree to any heavy immediate expenditure.

- ODT, 7.3.1910.