New irrigation body on central plains

Press, 5 December 1979, Page 11

New irrigation body on central plains

The formation last week of the Central Plains Irrigation Association is seen as giving an impetus to irrigation development on the plains between the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers. The chairman of the new association, Mr D. G. Watson, who farms about 220 ha in the RollestonWeedons districts, said afterwards that he saw the establishment of the association, which replaces the old Northern Central Plains Irrigation Committee, as “a very significant move” for the area. The new organisation would actively promote irrigation for the entire area, and would also look after the interests of those already irrigating in the district. It was felt that the Ministry of Works and Development, through the Canterbury officials’ committee on irrigation, had indicated a time scale for the proposed irrigation scheme for the plains, and thus the association would careall the help need to see al Ithe help needed to see fully watch this and give that the scheme proceeded, Mr Watson said. It would also follow closely moves towards irrigation in the Lower Rakaia, with particular reference to the imminent vote on this project, and the possible inclusion of underground water resources as part of a national scheme. The present season had been very good for growth, he said, and irrigation could make that a regular feature of the central plains. It would enable farmers to produce at a consistently higher level, and would permit much new technology to be applied with greater reliability.

The central plains area was the last remaining area of flat land in New Zealand that stood to benefit from irrigation. Mr Watson said. About 35 persons attended the meeting at Darfield at which the association was set up, and another 22 persons apologised for their absence. The new association will become an incorporated society. Mr Watson was appointed chairman. Mr N. Q. Wright, who is chairman of the Dominion agriculture section of Federated Farmers, was elected vice-chairman, Mr

R. H. Williams secretary, and Mr P. K. Jarman treasurer. Area representatives appointed to the association’s committee were; Hororata, Mr J. R. Inch; Te Pirita-Dunsandel, Mr A. S. Chaffy; Leeston, Mr D. S. Lilly; Lincoln. Mr D. T. Marshall; West Melton. Mr M. A. WhiteJohnson; Courtenay, Mr M. R. Wilson; Greendale, Mr G C. S. Gough; Sheffield, Mr G. M Gunn. Four additional members. Messrs H. H. Deans. D. W Mulholland. D. A R Haslam, and C. J. Johnston were also elected. The association will make a membership drive in the New Year.