FARMERS CONCERNED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 269, 24 August 1945, Page 4

FARMERS CONCERNED.

Sir, —The increasing volume 9f surface water and the rising of hitherto unsuspected springs in the district below the Main South Road and between Tinwald and the Hinds River, js causing considerable concern to the farmers in this area. It can be fairly stated, in addition, that since June, .1944, the Hinds River has carried double its previous volume of water, and as we have no man-made irrigation scheme higher up country from which seepage has no complementary artificial outlet to the sea, it is evident that this surface water lower down country will increase as the volume of irrigation water increases. As a remedy, it is suggested that four huge drains or canals each side of the Hinds River be constructed with outlets to the sea. Subsidiary drains from farmers’ properties feeding these canals would effectually deal with the present menace. Production of all classes of farm produce is now, as never before, of vital importance, and yet in this area, we have had practically all farm machinery idle since last harvest. A farmer must prodfice in order to carry on, and his crops must be harvested, but waterlogged land in its unproductivity threatens more than the individual farmer concerned. I understand that the Catchment Board has power to take over all drainage schemes, and it is pertinent at this time to ask when something is going to be done about this danger. “Good draining means good farming” is an axiom not understood by. all farmers, and those who have blocked and overgrown drains should receive immediate attention from the Board. Productive land must always be in actionhut water cahhot be rarmed. “'Progress.”