Surveys Proceeding for Maniototo Irrigation

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26473, 29 May 1947, Page 10

Surveys Proceeding for Maniototo Irrigation

Extensive surveys are at present being made on the Maniototo for the large irrigation scheme that was included in the development scheme for Central Otago announced by the Minister of Works, Mr Semple, last year. The scheme will eventually irrigate 85,000 acres of the Maniototo Plain from near Styx to Ranfurly, and will permit of closer settlement and greater production on what is now virtually grazing country. Styx Likely to be Flooded

The initial plan embraced a dam near Styx, or Paerau as it is called on many maps, and a second one some distance down the river nearer Ranfurly. Recently, however, consideration has been given to a proposal to build only one dam some distance downstream on the Taieri from Styx. Such a scheme would flood the towns.hip itself and bank up storage water over a considerable area beyond the crooked bridge that at present crosses the Taieri a short distance from the hotel. The survey party at present has its headquarters at Patearoa, and additional accommodation is to be provided at Ranfurlv. At the same time, another party is carrying out important soil tests of the whole area. Although it

may be some time before the irrigation scheme is commenced, it is probable that in about six months’ time a specially-appointed committee of experts will be able to report on the future developfherft and settlement of the irrigated area. Power for Coal Creek Scheme

While it may be some time before the Fraser River power scheme will be used for irrigation purposes in the Upper Clutha district, it is expected that an early start will be made with the setting up of the hydro-electric works. Negotiations are now proceeding between the Public Works Department and the Central Otago Electric Power Board over the use of the power generated at the Fraser. The necessary generating plant is already in the country, and the power will be shared between the Public Works Department and the Central Otago Power Board, which is badly in need of additional power. The Public Works Department will use it's share of the power for the Coal Creek hydroelectric scheme should the investigations prove entirely satisfactory. Later, the power will be used for pumping water for’ irrigation purposes in the Upper Clutha district.