MR GERARD ON IRRIGATION

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26212, 8 September 1950, Page 6

MR GERARD ON IRRIGATION

CONCERN EXPRESSED * ABOUT COSTS

CANTERBURY PROJECTS DISCUSSED

(Fn m Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, September 7. The completion of existing-irrigation schemes in Canterbury before new ones were started was urged by Mr R. G. Gerard (Government, Ashburton), when speaking in the Budget debate in the House of Representatives this evening. Mr Gerard said that the development cost of irrigation schemes was very high at present. He suggested that before new schemes were started, the Minister of Works (Mr W. S. Goosman) should arrange for contracts with farmers to cover operation and maintenance expenses. Mr Gerard said there was a very large irrigation scheme in his electorate. In certain areas, there had been a wonderful response to irrigation. It might be possible to increase production in some parts. The first scheme was an expensive one, but the part that had been developed was successful. Referring to the Ashburton-Lynd-hurst scheme. Mr Gerard said that it had not reached the position where the revenue met the outgoing expenses for maintenance. Last year, the revenue from the sale of water was £2510, and the cost was about £lO,OOO. This was a big improvement on the year before.

“High Initial Outlay” “We have got to look into the question of costs when we make agreements with farmers for extended irrigation schemes,” said Mr Gerard. "Many farmers are not aware of the cost of development and maintenance, or the cost to the individual farmer. In irrigation farming, the initial outlay is very high. To prepare the land properly for irrigation purposes involves a much higher cost than farmers realise.”

Mr Gerard said the Minister of Works was being besieged with apulications for further schemes. He asked that the Minister should give full consideration to the cost. The preliminary estimate of the cost of the Rakaia scheme was £1.890.000, for water supplies to 90,000 acres. It would be necessary for farmers in the area to guarantee a considerable amount of irrigated land. The Government would expect reasonable returns by taxation. “I be’ieve there are great potentialities in irrigation farming, and I hope production can be increased bv irrigation,” continued Mr Gerard. “I would suggest that the ‘ Minister of Works should complete the oresent schemes and get contracts signed up with the farmers before he goes ahead with other schemes.”

Mr Gerard referred to the experimental irrigation farm at Winchmore, and said tnat good work was being dene He hoped that any further irrigation schemes would be completed on a long-term plan so that the Government would not be a loser. '