IRRIGATION OR NAVIGATION.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 964, 16 March 1910, Page 7

IRRIGATION OR NAVIGATION.

1 THE MURRAY WATERS.

(Presi ABBOciation.-By Telegrapa,Oopy right), Sydney, YeEterday.

The report df the Murray Waters Commission urges that except for stock and domestio supplies of settlements within a reasonable distance of streams, irrigation Bhould be deemed the paramount I'use of the Murray system. The Oomm ission advocates the canalisation of the Murray and Murrambidgee by means of looks and weirs, and suggests that in the event of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia failing to come to an agreement regarding the regulation of the river and its tributaries, an agreement to the same purpose be entered into be-<! tween any two of the States oonoernod, and also the appointment by those interested of a Board* to oonaider the whole question.

This is an old and sore question. Viotoria wants to use the waters for irrigation for its Mildura and other settlements and to extend the system. New South "Wales is likely also to need more to irrigate. South Australia on the other hand wants to keep the navigation up as far as possible as its steamers penetrate right up the Murray and up the Dar. ling to Bourke, and that is its one ohanoe of holding the trade whioh otherwise goes on the New South Wales or Viofcoriao railways.