CENTRAL IRRIGATION

Evening Star, Issue 19841, 14 April 1928, Page 6

CENTRAL IRRIGATION

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED SCOPE OF INQUIRY DEFINED [Special to the ‘Stab.’] AVELLINGTON. April 14. The Prime Minister announces that the committee has been set up to investigate a number of questions connected with the irrigation schemes in Central Otago. It comprises : Mr C. J. M'Konzie, Assistant Engi-neer-in-Chief to the Public AVorks Department, chairman. Mr M. G. M'Ginnis, farmer, of Earnscleugh. Mr R. A. Roger, Lands Department. > Mr R. B. Tenncnt, Department of Agriculture. Mr J. R. Marks, former district engineer for public works, Otago. Mr James Ritchie, fanner, of Bannockburn. Mr John George, farmer, of Roxburgh, The committee will have referred ro it for inquiry a number of points which have boon raised in connection witli the working of the existing irrigation scheme, such as: Tho amount of water necessary lor the various areas. An investigation of individual settlers’ difficulties. The class of country taler irrigation. The general financial aspect of tho scheme —whether the maximum charges for irrigation are reasonable, and if reductions are necessary in any case, for what period they should apply. Whether Urn lands, _ generally speaking, when farmed in accordance with the best methods, of utilising the water supply, and growing tho most suitable crops, are capable of bearing the irirgation charges, if Hie price paid for the freehold has been reasonable. Is the water supply adequate in all cases for the crops, are capable whether the water is being used efficiently in all eases. It is hoped to complete the investigation in a month, but a longer period will be granted if necessary. This report will be supplemented ny another almost completed by Messrs Marks, Roger, and Tennent, which covers tho engineering and economic aspects of an extension of irrigation by building the Upper Manuherikia dam.