RAPID GROWTH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26777, 21 May 1948, Page 4

RAPID GROWTH

PROGRESS OF CENTRAL OTAGO VALUE OF IRRIGATION GROWING EXPORT OF STOCK The rapid development of Central Otago's farmlands in the past 20 years may be traced in just a few lines — the figures indicating the number of cattle and sheep transported from various districts in 1926, and the corresponding figures for 1947. Taking sheep from these seven centres, with furly doubled their output during the period, Waipiata trebled its export and Omakau, Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell each sent away last year approximately four times as many sheep as they did in 1926. In most instances the same position applies to cattle. "•Last year the Central Otago railway line carried nearly half a million sheep .from thees seven centres, with the addition of Oturehua, and more than 7000 cattle. In line with this advance has been steady growth of the seasonal wool clip, bringing increased returns to the farmers and, as a consequence, paving the way. for the introduction of greater efficiency in farming methods. Irrigation Essential There is one factor which, more than any other, has been responsible for the tremendous strides made by Central Otago—irrigation. Without water the farmer could not live. The climate is rigorous and the rainfall is low. The soil is relatively rich in the minerals on which plants thrive, &nd grass and crops grow remarkably well when given a chance. Irrigation gives outstanding results on this strong, dry soil and the farmers of Central Otago are vitally concerned in seeing that water is brought to the land. The Government schemes have played a valuable part in bringing in the water, but. where no Government scheme has been available, the farmers have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure a supply. The water races of their mining forbears have, in many instances, been found extremely useful, but watering many acres of almost perfectly flat land is a process which requires the utmost ingenuity and patience. Central Otago is full of arresting examples of what water; will do to apparently useless land. Rabbit-rav-aged, scabweed areas are gradually being brought into production, and the sight of first-class fields of lucerne and other pasture, alongside apparently barren and unfertile wastes is a striking manifestation of the agricultural potential of the province. Proposed Developments The 10-year plan for Central Otago provides for the extension of the Mamototo irrigation scheme to bring into production another 85,000 acres. The Hope’s Creek extension of the Ida Valley scheme, and a large new area at Moutere Terraces, flanked on each side by the Manuherikia schemes, wi 11 make a complete block in the Manuherikia Valley. These schemes will double the irrigable areas on the Manuherikia and Taieri Rivers and a further large increase in irrigation areas is planned in the Clutha Valley. With the development of the Govment schemes, the co-operation of the farmers —many of whom have an almost fanatical interest in the provision of adequate water supplies—and the undoubted increase in farming efficiency which the passage of the years has brought, the future of Central Otago would appear to be even brighter than in the thrilling days when it seemed that the gold supply was inexhaustible. Alexandra railed 3685 sheep in 1926 and -15,530 in 1947. The day when the same town will be exporting 30,000 every year may not be far away, measured in terms of the growth of st country. The same position should apply in every other centre in the hinterland of the province.