WATER SHORTAGE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 124, 7 March 1941, Page 6

WATER SHORTAGE

RACES IN RAKAIA DISTRICT. FULL SUPPLY NOT BEING. USED. CONTENTIONS OF THE SETTLERS “A number of settlers of the Rakaia district met Mr A. Doig and myself on February 13,” said My S. P. Taylor (chairman of the Ashburton County Council) in a report, presented at the meeting to-day, “and placed before us the very groat hardship and loss they are experiencing owing to the shortage and at times total lack of water in the races on their properties. “They expressed the opinion that the available water is not being apportioned evenly, that tho flow of water to their properties is restricted by dirty races, and that the Council is not exercising its power sufficiently to have the races kept in the proper order. They also stated, that the full flow of water at the Pudding Hill intake is not being utilised, and that although there was sufficient water available some years ago, the extension of *the races in past years, without the provision of additional water at the headworks, has placed too great a strain on the system. Concrete Channel Too Small. “As it is the policy of the Council to do all in its power to maintain its water supply system and assure as equal a distribution as possible at all times, Mr Doig and I, accompanied by the assistant engineer, made an inspection of the races providing that district, and found that there was ample water at the headworks, but that the concrete channel, which was constructed many years ago, and which at that time carried all that was necessary, now appears to be too small for the demand, and should be enlarged. . “It was found that the deputation’s contention of dirty races was justified and that the flow of water is thereby retarded, a very serious position for those in the lower races. Steps are now being taken to have these races cleaned, which should bring about a considerable improvement. While this shortage has been greatly accentuated by the hot dry season, there.have been similar shortages in past years, and I feel that special attention should be given to the system of this locality and special precautions taken to ensure that water is not- held up or wasted. The map of the water races should be brought up-to-date as soon as possible and any known weak races marked for special attention.” Must Be Augmented. The chairman said that as soon as water was available something should be done to augment the Pudding Hill supply. What must be done was the installation of a proper junction, system. Mr J. Bland said the Council was largely at fault in not insisting that the races should he cleaned out. The Council would have to take full charge of the races, and that would ensure a full supply for everyone. Mr J. Moore said ho thought farmers would welcome the bringing.in of a system of contract cleaning of races over the whole area. He moved that the Engineer should proceed with this object in view, making the necessary preliminary inquiries. It was a thing that should be given very serious consideration. The chairman said that the extension of tho race system over the years demanded more adequate provision of supplyMr Moore said that while this might bo so, there was sufficient water available to reach the coast with a good and steady flow if the races were cleaned. Mr H. C. B. Witliell said that if a contract system was instituted the work would most likely be done better than the farmer would do it. One thing to be watched would be was that the cost was not too great. Even with this systefn farmers would still be responsible for keeping their races free of obstructions. Rakaia Area Position. Mr A. Doig said that something would have to be done about the Rakaia area, even if it meant taking another channel out of the Rakaia River. It was a long distance in trying to get sufficient water down the 28 miles of race from Pudding Hill. Mr J. Carr said he had advocated, 13 years ago, some sort of contract system, but there were difficulties. At the same time, was there anything more difficult than trying to meet a shortage of water? Some survey of the possibilities of more supply should be made. Some years ago, said Mr H\ J. Cvothers, farmers were in favour of doing the race cleaning themselves, but the position was very different to-day. A committee should be set up to go into the question. The doubling of the water rate, which was a very cheap one at present, would not be objected to by the farmers, in his opinion. The chairman said there "must be pioye co-operation between tho Council and the water rangers, who must realise that their work must be carried out without fear or favour. Mr Carr said that in places the races were carrying more water than they were built to carry. Mr C. A. Campion said lie was not favourable to tjie contract system, but there were a lot of dirty races that were creating trouble. The 10 eusecs from the main diversion race, promised by the Public Works Department, should overcome much of tho difficulty. Messrs Withell and Crothers suggested that designs for an efficient race plough should bo sought, Mr Crothers saying it. would be worth £SO or £IOO for such a design. It was decided to make inquiries regarding contract cleaning as suggested during the discussion.