Salmon instead of sheep?

Press, 7 July 1977, Page 2

Salmon instead of sheep?

PA Ashburton An estimate that Rakaia River irrigation might earn between S2OM and S3OM in overseas funds has been attacked by the secretary of the Recreational Water Users’ Society (Mr J. Ruck). The estimate came from Cr R. M. Cunningham at a recent meeting of the Heathcote County Council, which decided to ask the Minister of Electricity (Mr Gair) to give “full and favourable” consideration to the irrigation scheme. Mr Ruck said that it was impossible to know how much the irrigation would be worth in overseas earnings until research was completed. This required at least 10 years study, not three years as suggested recently. Speaking on behalf of his society, which has advocated salmon farming as an alternative to using irrigation to produce more sheep, Mr Ruck said: “We don’t

accept the figures attributed to Mr Cunningham as anywhere near correct. “It might prove eventually that salmon farming could be more profltablei” he said.

Mr Ruck said that his society sought a fair distribution of the Rakaia water for hydro-electric power generation, irrigation, recreation, and wildlife. It would oppose any group seeking exclusive use of the water.

An irrigation scheme might cost the taxpayers millions of dollars to produce more sheep, which could face sales on a glutted market at rockbottom prices, whereas oilrich Middle East countries could pay well for a luxury product such as salmon.

“For each boat-load of oil coming here, there should be two boat-loads of salmon going back,” said Mr Ruck.