IRRIGATED LANDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 59, 19 December 1940, Page 8

IRRIGATED LANDS

THE SETTLEMENT OF SOLDIERS.

MINISTER TO INVESTIGATE. (Special* to the “Guardian.”) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. “Because I hold the auoav that the work is of very great importance and of great reproductive value, and it may play a part in the land settlement of soldiers on their return from the war, the expediting of the Rangitata irrigation scheme to completion is to be examined,” the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) said at Wellington in a telephone intervieAV last night. With a vioAv to expediting the irrigation scheme for soldier settlement purposes, Mr Semple said, his first job in the New Year would be a complete examination of the Avorks in company Avith. the Minister for Lands (the Hon. F. Langstone). His idea was to divert men from jobs of less importance to the irrigation scheme, so that it Avouki be completed as soon as possible. “We Avill also he looking into the question of other irrigation schemes early next year,” Mr Semple added. “Does that refer to the area north of the 'Rakaia, of which, some surveys have been made for irrigation purposes?” the Minister AVas asked. “Yes,” replied' Mr Semple. “The Avhole of the Canterbury plains is Avortli examination, with a. view to increased production and land settlement.”

A clear indication was given hv the Minister for Lands (the Hon. F. Langstone), in reply to a question on November 22j that he did not have in mind the farming properties on Canterbury plains to be irrigated by the end of next year as lands to which the Small Farms Amendment Bill would be applicable. “To take one man off the land to put a man in his place is not settlement,” Mr Langstone replied. “It is only replacement. Only land suitable foxcarrying a greater population, and suitable for subdivision, will bo taken under the pi’ovisions of the Bill.” Reverting to the land to be irrigated by the Canterbury scheme, and replying to another question, Mr Langstone said the Lands Department had already acquired an area of about 6000 acres. The reason for that acquisition Avas that the farmers Avere unable to woidc their properties economically at the time. The question of assessing betterment value Avben the State irrigation scheme enhanced the pvoducth r e value of the land had not been considered yet by the Government.