Paparua council asked for emergency water

Press, 9 February 1983, Page 10

Paparua council asked for emergency water

Two emergency water-use rights applications from farmers with crops threatened by drought have been put before the Paparua County Council. The first was declined because the applicant wanted to use water from the Sandy Knolls stock water-race, which the council decided should not be tapped to irrigate crops The county's chief engineer. Mr J D Annan, said that several other requests had been received from other farmers and that to approve the application would be to risk the supply to those with water rights.

Cr A. Y. Shuker said that while he was sympathetic to the applicant's predicament, the council's responsibility was to supply stock water. Cr G. T. Wright said the applicant wanted to save a crop. He was not trying to "beat the system."

The second application, to use a neighbour's water-use rights with the neighbour's permission, was approved.

The race tn question was normally used for crop irrigation and for the Islington freezing works. The issues which had clouded the first application did not arise Tornado aid

The acting chairman. Mr W. J. Baker, reported that three farmers whose properties had been devastated by the recent tornado had applied for assistance under the Project Employment Programme.

The applications had been lodged with the Labour Department and a decision was expected soon, he said. Mr Baker praised the Red Cross relief workers for their efforts during and after the Halswell storm. Recovery

The meeting heard that the County Chairman. Mr J. Y. Pethig.’ is making a good recovery after undergoing major heart surgery. He is expected to be discharged from hospital before the end of this week.