IRRIGATION CHARGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 12

IRRIGATION CHARGES

WATER RATES TOO HIGH PETITION FOR REDUCTION FARMERS' UNION SUPPORTS MOVEMENT That the pressure of current difficult conditions in the dairy farming, fruitgrowing and sheep-raising industries is being seriously felt by settlers on irrigated areas in Central Otago was evidenced at the annual conference of the Otago Farmers’ Union yesterday when delegates were asked to support irrigation in their efforts to secure a reduction in water rates in Central Otago. The conference unanimously agreed to lend the support of the Farmers’ Union to the representations now being made to the Government. Mr E. J. Iversen (Earnscleugh) said that as a result of conditions of which all farmers were well aware, irrigators in Central Otago were finding it increasingly difficult to meet the water charges on their land. The situation had developed seriously this season and as a result an Irrigators’ Association had been formed. Petitions, praying for relief, had been circulated and had been signed by practically 100 per cent, of irrigators. A copy had been forwarded to the Dominion executive in Wellington and the Irrigators Association now wanted the provincial conference to support its plea for assistance from the Dominion executive and the Government.

“ I can assure the conference that it is a worthy petition, and would like to say that there is little time to be lost,” he said. “We have received advice from the Minister of Public Works that the date for the payment of water rates has been put back to June 15. I will move therefore that:

“ This conference supports the Irrigators’ Association in its efforts to secure an immediate reduction of water rates in Central Otago.”

The motion was carried unanimously.