THE HON. J. G. COATES

Evening Star, Issue 17924, 21 March 1922, Page 7

THE HON. J. G. COATES

A VISIT TO CENTRAL OTAGO. ARDGOUR IRRIGATION SCHEME. [SrECIAIi TO THE ' StAE. 'j CROMWELL, March 21. The Hon. J. G. Coatcs (Minister of Public Works) and party reached Makarora from the West Coast via the Haast Pass on Sunday afternoon, arriving at Pembroke the samo evening. On Monday the party travelled to Cromwell by way of Hawea, Tarras, Ripponvale, and the Cromwell development works, which were inspected.

Deputations met tho Minister at the Athemeum Hall, when several local, matters were placed before him. The most important was a request from tho settlers of tho outlying districts to bring in tho Roaring Meg Creek for irrigation purposes. Several speakers touched on the great value of the laud to bo served with water, and gave some interesting figures. A fine display of fruit, cereals, and root crops from tho irrigated areas was quite impressive. In his reply the Minister left no doubt as to tho value of irrigation, and promised to forward the engineers' reports on tho proposals mentioned. The question of hydro-electricity from the Meg schemo or from the Cromwell development works on tho Kawarau River was, ho said, left with the settlers and those interested to act according to tho legislation governing tho same.

Members of the Borough Council next pointed out the great financial burden to tho town ih the upkeep of the main street, which was actually tho main arterial road carrying all the heavy traffic from the surrounding centres of production. In addition to this traffic, there was sand trouble, and tho town council had to sacrifice all miblio works to keep this thoroughfare in order. The Government had mot tho position with small votes, but greater assistance was necessary. The Minister said that he would carefully consider the matter and reply through the member for tho district (Mr Horn).

Finally a request was made that the Government should undertake the cost of bringing a. Keystone drill to tho district and bear the expense of test bores for artesian water on tho Cromwell Flat. Tho Minister said that it was not in his department, but he -would represent tffe matter to the Minister of Mkies.

Speaking in reference to his trip through tho valley and his inspection of the Ardgour irrigation scheme, Mr Horn said it was expected to have tJiis completed in October next. The charge for water therefrom would be Is per acre the first year, 2s the second, 4s the third, 8s the fourth, and up to a maximum of 15s tho fifth year if necessary. The party continued its journey this morning to the Manuherikia irrigation works and Alexandra.