THE GREAT IRRIGATION

Oxford Observer, Volume 3, Issue 109, 26 September 1891, Page 3

THE GREAT IRRIGATION

SCHEME. (From our Correspondent.) I feel that this subject is of such paramont importance, to the future prosperity of the inhabitants of the various districts through whioh the proposed water-raoe will pass, that it needs no apology to. keep it constantly before your readers, until the great result which its promoters have m view Bhall have been fully realized, and foremost amongst the most zealous workers to that end is Mr J. Dobson. Passing for the present the impetus whioh will be given to the local trade

of our own township and its future

stimulus of increased production of all marketable products, I will at present place before your readers a few bare facts to prove to them what a grand and comparitively inexpensive irrigation scheme they have within their reach. Imprimis, the head works are formed by nature, practically imp arishable and altogether free from the most remote chance of obstruction. The race I believe will surpass any other m the colony at present, being 20 feet m width, and 4 feet deep with a fail of 4 feet to the mile, and a velocity of about 2| miles an hour. The quantity of land accessible to irrigation will be 160,000 acres, and the quantity of water that the race could supply to each acre would be Bio gallons per day. At the intake the river is about 1000 feet above the sea level, and the country descends m easy slopes to 948 feet at View Hill, 748 feet at East Oxford, 555 at Bennetts, 419 at Cust, 317 feet at Moeraki, 209 at Stoke, 147 feet at Pernside, and 91 feet at Bangiora. Through Eyreton, Horrellville, Swannanoa, Mandeville, Ohoka, and Eaiapoi the levels are comparitivwly easy, Kaiapoi being only 7 feet above sea level. The general character of the country throughout is magnificently laid out for an irrigation system and all this inestimable benefit can be had for the small coat of B^d per acre per annum. I want to point out that the present levels will bring a race no further West than Mr J. Brown's, leaving the upper portion of the West Oxford district still to be watered by the Cooper's creek system, which must eventually by the voice of the majority be accomplished and the dog m the manger will have to make an ignominious retreat. There are so very few who do not know the great benefit of a constant and reliable water supply that it is scarcely necessary to argue m support of it. As however I am. so thoroughly convinced that our future prosperity so greatly depends upon the accomplishment of this magnificent system I will never lay down my pen till this?great scheme is accomplished. I may mention that the heaviest work on the race will be from a mile below the . bridge to the head works a distance of about 4^ miles where a large number of men will be employed and this means a good lot of trade for our local storemen, butchers, and drapers during the progress of the work, it also means an increased permanent trad eto our town consequent upon increased settlement caused by the water supply.