DUNSTAN FARMERS’ UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 12

DUNSTAN FARMERS’ UNION.

IRRIGATION MATTERS. ALEXANDRA, February 28. A largely-attended meeting of the Dunstan Farmers’ Union was held at Alexandra on Monday evening. The following resolution was proposed by the president (Mr R. Tohill) :—“ That this branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union wishes to dissociate itself from certain exaggerated statements which have recently been published with reference to failure of irrigation in Central Otago, and to state that this body is not officially responsible for these. This branch, however, wishes to state to the Government that reforms are absolutely essential at this stage in the policy of irrigation, management, and control, and that an immediate classification should be made of the lands under irrigation schemes for the purpose of readjusting the supply, of water in accordance with proper requirements of the various lands, and that irrigation rates should be modified and varied in accordance with the measure of benefit derived. We are convinced that before being given to the Public Works Department for construction, future irrigation schemes should be by an irrigation commissioner and irrigation board, comprised of farmers and business men/’’! and that all operating schemes should be./ managed by such a board and its permanent commissioner. We are also sure that it would be in the national interests, and that of the settlers, that the Government should endeavour to secure the services of Mr J. R. Marks for the position of irrigation commissioner, as we are convinced that his knowledge and experience of irrigation in district are essential, and that another nominee from the Government and three farmers practical in irrigation should form the board.” A further resolution was proposed by the secretary (Mr . Laurence Ryan): “ That this meeting appreciates the action of Mr Marks in collecting and presenting the figures with regard to the exports and future prospects from the irrigation districts of Central Otago, which show that with the assistance of the Public Works Department and in making some necessary concessions to settlers, the success of irrigation in this district is assured, and that a letter to that effect should be sent to Mr Marks.”

Both resolutions were carried unanimously.

Communications were read from the Prime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates), the Minister of Public Works (Mr K. S. Williams), and Mr J. Horn, M.P., intimating that they would shortly visit the dis-

trict, and a committee was set up to arrange for deputations to meet them on their arrival at Alexandra to confer with them regarding irrigation matters.