THE STEWARD SETTLEMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14357, 29 October 1908, Page 3

THE STEWARD SETTLEMENT.

—«$> THE IRRIGATION QUESTION. (Fkoji Ouit Own Cohbespondent.) OAMARU, October 28. The Hon. R. M'Nab visited the Steward on Tuesday to personally inspect the incomplete water race which has occasioned so much discussion there for some lv:o years. Owing to the recent rains Mr M'Xab might have found it difficult to believe that the irrigation is of much importance to the settlers, so well docs even the lightest land look. He promised, alter a conference with the settlors, to obtain the report of one of the irrigation experts at present in Central Otago on the requirements os the Steward Settlement, and to take prompt action, so tlut. if possible, the race may be available to all when the summor trtiiy make it necessary. Mr M'Nnb intimated thai he was working onl a scheme whereby Crown settlors would be supplied with suitable trees by the Government for planting in localities where it was considered they would enhance the value of their properties. The planting, he said, would require to be done under State supervision, due regard to be paid to necessary fencing for protection at the cost of the farmer. The idea v,-as favourably received by the Steward settlers, many of whom expressed the opinion thai the judicious planting of tiroes would be the making of the estate.