Rural enthusiasm for irrigation proposals

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33219, 8 May 1973, Page 19

Rural enthusiasm for irrigation proposals

Irrigation should be regarded as a national asset and therefore a Government responsibility, said the Under-Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture (Mr B. G. Barclay), speaking at a seminar held last week by the Northern Central Plains Irrigation Committee, at Darfield High School.

This was the main recommendation of a committee set up to fulfil the new Government’s policy on irrigation. However, the report is in the hands of the Minister of Works (Mr Watt), still and Mr Barclay, who was chairman of the committee, said that its details must there-: fore remain confidential, but,: he hoped, “before not toolong.” “Our committee believesthat an expenditure of some-; thing more than sloom over; the next 20 years should go* a long way toward giving New Zealand this lasting asset,” he said. It was expected that annual expenditure would expand[ over four to five years to[ reach a peak of s6m to s7m; a year. “We do not see this as another ‘Government handout to farmer.’ We see this* as an investment for the nation and it is the nation that will ultimately get the greatest return from this capital.” ADMINISTRATION LIFT He said the Government’s new emphasis on irrigation should be reflected in the basic administration of irrigation schemes, starting with an upgrading of the water and soil section of the; Ministry of Works. This was a basic difference; between the present Govern-; ment’s policy and that of its. predecessor—the present Ad-, ministration did not think this: job could be best done by the county councils. The section had the “knowhow” and expertise. It had been involved in irrigation schemes in the past and had a basic corps of experienced staff. However, it should be a team effort, with other Government departments and local authorities, and he did not discount the very important role for farmers them-j selves. The co-operation there had: been between farmers and the Ministries of Agriculture and Works on the MorvenGlenavy scheme should be fostered in the development of other schemes, he said. RATE ON LAND In line with its stated policy, the Government would look at favourable terms for the repayment of loans for approved on-farm development for irrigation, * with these being designed to foster speedy development. ; It was his view that the farmer’s share of the cost of on-farm development should be recovered by a rate on the land itself and not as a mortgage to the farmer, which he would have to repay in total if he sold the farm. This land rate would begin four years after the scheme was fully operational—after the farmer could actually use the water. Of course, if the farmer had the money, he

could start repaying the loan earlier. The new policy envisaged a repayment period of up to 40 years, he said, saying that the proposed Rural Banking and Finance Corporation should be involved in irrigation schemes and should be the agency collecting the land rate. SPRAY SYSTEMS Spray irrigation systems came into a different category, said Mr Barclay. They involved a heavy commitment of capital for machinery and because of this he did not think that they should be a charge on the land — rather, a charge on the farmer. Provision would be made for these schemes by granting loans of up to 100 per cent at reasonable rates for approved schemes. Again, he said, the Rural Bank should be involved. The repayment of capital and interest could be delayed until the fourth year. Mr Barclay, who reminded his listeners that as his committee’s report was .till under consideration, not ail of its recommendations might be accepted, said that if ihe Government did accept, he could foresee a whole new era of progress in irrigation development in the dryland areas of New Zealand, and especially in Canterbury md [ Otago. He hesitated to recommend [irrigation soley as an insurance against a bad season, however. The Government ‘could not afford to spend Targe sums of capital without it being used to the country’s advantage, and for This reason was studying making a uniform charge for water, whether it was used or not. WELL RECEIVED Mr Barclay’s address was well received by farmers attending the seminar. Mr D. W. Mulholland, chairman of the Northern Central Plains I Irrigation Committee, said that they could not but be ex- ■ cited at what he had had to say. It opened up exciting possibilities in the province. The superintendent of Winchmore irrigation research station (Mr W. R. Lobb) said later that Mr Barclay’s statement was the most optimistic from an administrator for many years. Mr A. L. Mulholland said that meteorologists in Japan had predicted recently that because of the rapid cooling [of the polar ice caps drought | conditions could continue through the 19705, and in ffiis icontext if farmers did not ' get irrigation this decade they could be in a very serious situation. Replying, Mr Barclay said the Government’s aim was to build up a steady programme of development of water resources, although already 40 or 50 committees throughout [the country were wanting irrigation schemes. The seminar had an attendance of about 450 and at the close a resolution was adopted commending the

committee on organising the function. At the same time the committee was urged to place before the Government all of the information needed to enable it to fully implement the policy on irrigation outlined in its Election manifesto.