THIS IRRIGATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 27, 13 November 1935, Page 4

THIS IRRIGATION.

Sir, As a farmer who has seen a plan of his farm with the proposed Irrigation Canal delineated thereon, I feel it my duty to w*arn farmers and, likewise, mortgagees, what is going to happen to their assets and/or securities, if the work is proceeded with. The project is being fostered by theorists, engineers and manure salesmen and, is generally acclaimed by farmers because it is reported to be costing them nothing—the Unemployment Board hearing the cost. The scheme is estimated to cost £130,000 but, I am reliably informed that this estimate will be at least £70,000 less than the complete cost. The advantages claimed arc that some farmers will be able to irrigate an area and thus protect themselves against droughts. As droughts affect only a limited area of this County, and then only about once in six years and, as the drought period is invariably preceded by a bounteous spring, it appears to me that a prudent farmer has ample opportunity of providing for tho month or two of dry weather by laying by a supply of hay but, it must be admitted, this precaution is seldom put into effect. Now take somo of the objections. In my own case water from Lake Heron is turned into the South branch of the Ashburton, is syphoned on to my property, taken across this and a neighbour’s property, tunnelled under the North branch of the Ashburton River, and on through Springfield, Lyndhurst, etc. The canal is to be 14 feet wide and 4 feet deep and, in my case, it zigzags over my property reducing it in value, I should estimate by 50 per cent. I will be left with this canal, the spoil therefrom, odd corners cut out of my small agricultural paddocks and left with a lot of irregular paddocks which will bo difficult to work. I contend, if any benefit is to be derived by the coast settlers, the loss caused by the canal careering through a lot of splendid land (such as Springfield) must be far outweighed by the benefits derived.

Anyway, where is the evidence that irrigation is a success in this'County? We know it is a success in Egypt, and are told it has benefited Central Otago but, all evidence in this County goes to show that it lias no value. What farmers on the Coast who have the full use of the tail-end of races have put the water to practical use? Where is the farmer having free water available who lias made use. of it for irrigation purposes ? And where is the farmer who has erected windmills to supply him with water for irrgiation ? Many years ago an irrigation farm was operated lit Elgin, but the records of the County Council of this venture will show that it was not of economic value. Forty odd years ago, when I ivas in the employ of the late Mr David Wilson, Avhen he owned land at Seafiekl, lie decided to irrigate some land Avith the Avater from the end of races on his farm, and it Avas my job to plough furroAvs and turn the water continuously. After a time the land went to rushes. A more recent experiment has been tried at Seafield under Mr Flay, of Lincoln College, and can this A’cntmc be termed an economic success ?

Reverting to my OAvn farm, it is generally knoAvn that water is only four feet under my land and, at times, Avater actually bursts through, the ground. In places underneath are quick sands, and yet it is proposed to construct a canal across this land to a depth of four feet! I contend that apart from Avhether the scheme is good, bad or indifferent, the difficulties Avill be so great and expensive (if it is at all possible) that the estimated cost’of the project Avill be greatly increased by the expenditure on my area alone. One of my reasons for Avriting this letter is that I am informed that these irrigation people can take their canal where they like Avithout let or hinddrance, and I think that tho farmers should realise Avhat is contemplated, and Avhat the loss of the greater number of farmers is likely to be lor the problematical gain of the lesser number of farmers. If the Avhole scheme had the support of a number of practical hard-headed farmers or, better still, if every farmer Avas paying into a fund to proA-ide this irrigation, I should feel happier. There are, I believe, about 1300 farmers in the Ashburton County, and, as the cost is estimated at £130,000 (minimum) I should like to knoAV of a single farmer Avho Avould contribute his proportion of the cost (£100). I do not think « single farmer avlio Avould do tins couvi be found in the Avhole County. F. J. HYDES, Ashburton Forks.