Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELD GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Mar. 30, 1931

Cromwell Argus, 30 March 1931, Page 4

Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELD GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Mar. 30, 1931

Again we Have to thank our Alexandra contemporary for some information regarding the Government’s aqtivity in irrigation—unfortunately, not for this district. In its last issue (the “Herald” says;—“Mr A. J. Baker, ln>lHf.Vng Engineer, Public Works Department, and Mr T. A. Johnston, Engineer, West Coast, paid a visit of inspection to the Pool burn Dam, and then went on to Ranfuriy. V\ e understand that a field snrvay will be comif.euced at an early date with regard r.o the proposed irrigation scheme" at the Styx, where a magnificent dam site is available for the purpose of supplying the Maniototo district with irrigation.” We would not like to estimate the amount that has been spent in surveying probable schemes for the 70,000 acres in this valley. From the work carried out we would say it amounts to a very largo sum. W hen we are warned of the serious depression to-day we would conclude that it would bo a wise policy to finalise the schemes which have absorbed so much money in investigation before touching Others. It can only bo concluded that a practical scheme does not exist in the valley but' we would not subscribe to that opinion. It only hastens the evergrowing opinion that private enterprise should be given encouragement. \\ e d} in only say that residents throughout the district are heartily -sick of;the Government’s lack of attention to the development of this district. Further than that, the district is one which has for many years returned a strong vote for Liberal or United candidates—it seems / o matter little what it is termed. With the responsible Minister a resident of our capital city it was reasonably hoped something would bo done. The resuit to-day is—and we make the statement m all seriousness—that there is a pronounced swing of the pendulum 91 political opinion and if the presen t inactivity as it applies to our dis~* continues, then our statement will be borne out at the ballot-box at the first opportunity. It is not many weeks since wc analysed the political parties as they , apply to the development of the district, but so far it has not borne fruit, nor does it present any hope. That is the position to-day.