MORE ABOUT IRRIGATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 17

MORE ABOUT IRRIGATION.

OPINIONS, FAVOURABLE AND OTHERWISE. ALEXANDRA, March 6. The three members of the Government —Mr J. G. Coates (Prime Minister), -Mr K. S. Williams (Minister of Public Works), and Mr A. D. Al'Leod (Minister of Lands) —met a deputation of settlers at Poolburn this morning, being introduced by Mr J. Horn, ALP. DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION. Mr B. Flannery pointed out that the lower end of Ida Valley, which was known as Poolburn, was being spoiled by the irrigation waters, and drainage' was required. He could speak for others who were in the same position. It was said that irrigation was a good thing, and no doubt it was, and it had made Ida \ alley; but the few should not be put out of house and home for the many. Damage had resulted to settlers owing to the excessive water. Mr Butcher said it was not necessary to carry the drain right through the val-. ley. The drain might stop halfway; -...; The Prime Minister said it had always, been anticipated, in connection with irrigation, that drainage would nave to be. dealt with. Ycars.ago a. sum of £5OOO was ..set apart for it, showing that the idea of drainage was in the mind 6f the

department. It was desirable that the irrigation and drainage of Ida Valley should go hand in hand, and - the Government was prepared to consider a scheme of drainage. Mr Marks had estimated that it would cost £30,000 to carry out a comprehensive system of drainage. The eyes of New Zealand were upon the irrigation scheme of Otago. The people in the north and people who always had fault to find w’ith the Government, bad said that everything was going to wrack and ruin, and had already seized on the situation to shout that the Government was hopeless because it had failed in something that the settlers had decried and advertised in the press as being a “ frost ” and a failure. “We are here,” proceeded Mr Coates, “to see whether the remarks in the press are correct or not. Generally speaking, we have found that they are incorrect. Of course, there are problems that must come up for solution as time passes, and experience will teach us the steps to take from time to time. For myself, I see nothing to be perturbed about. I think the schemes are as sound as a bell, sounder than before the agitation started.” —(Applause.) Drainage would have to be tackled, and he would like to know if any of the settlers were prepared to make a contribution towards it. If the settlers received benefits they might reasonably be asked to contribute to the cost. In a conversational discussion that followed, Mr Furkert (engineer-in-chief) said that if land was drained and thereby improved the settlers ought to help. The estimate of £30,000 included the cost of bridges at cross-roads, towards which the settlers would have had to pay £1 for £l. If the drainage were carried halfway the cost would be about £15,000, including the bridges. Some discussion took place as to the object of the original scheme for the valley, and the question whether it ineluded the cost of drainage. Mr Coates said it was understood at the start that the contracts covered drainage and everything else. He referred to No. 1 scheme. It was agreed that the settlers should hold a meeting at an early date further to consider the whole question, and to receive a report from Mr Furkert showing the cost of drainage up to the boundary of No. 1 scheme, and giving an estimate of the complete cost of drainage for the valley. The settlers are then to discuss what they are prepared to do in the matter of giving a subsidy to the Government. The deputation also urged that a station master should be appointed to Ida Valley, that improvements were required in the yarding at the station, and that there should be a rural mail delivery from Ida Valley daily. It was promised that consideration would be given to these matters. The Ministers were thanked for their attendance. INSPECTION OF DEMONSTRATION PLOTS. The Prime Minister made an inspection of farms and demonstration plots at Springvale and Manuherikia Settlement. At the latter place he visited Mr Pullman’s property, where a number of settlers had assembled. The difficulties of the settlers were pointed out to the Primo Minister and Mr J. R. Marks by several speakers, and the point was stressed that for land of the nature of Mr Pullman’s a supply of one head of water to 150 acres was not sufficient. Mr Marks admitted that in the matter of the proportion of water to the area the department was itself experimenting to some extent. Complaint was also made that water was not available last year until the soring was well advanced One man said the water came to his farm on October 'i't. Why, they asked, should the settlers be called on to pay for the full season when only a portion of the water to which they were entitled was supplied to them, and in some cases no water at all?

Mr Marks said that the department had always given consideration to cases of hardship or alleged injustice brought to its notice.

It was contended that for the loss occasioned to the settlers through the nonsupply of water last season the Government should compensate the settlers. This point was argued, but no decision was come to. It was apparent that several breaks in the race were the cause of the failure of the water supply in certain quarters in the spring, and while these were being repaired the settlers were unable to obtain water. This matter was pointed out to the Prime Minister by several speakers, and .Mr Coates said he would lay the whole position before his colleague, the Minister of Public Works, and explain to him the disadvantage under which some of the settlers had commenced their work in the early was also taken to the rental of l"s per acre, which was considered ex C< T| l lo Prime Minister a’so visited the farm of Mr Marslin where there is a good growth of crops of various kinds. SUPERTAX ON FARMERS. After lunch the Ministers were met in the County Chambers by deputations from the Vincent County Council and the settlers of Earnseleugh. . . . Mr Charles Weaver occupied the chair, and in welcoming the Ministers, he said that there had been no visit from the members of the Cabinet for many years that had not left Vincent county richer, and he- felt sure that what requests that day were considered reasonable would receive every consideration from Mr Coates.

The first speaker was Mr S. Spain, who brought up the question of road maintenance and taxation. He said that the recently imposed petrol tax was favoured by almost every settler in the district. There was only one thing wrong with it. It was not heavy enough. Still, though this new levy was universal, and was paid by the farmer as well a’s everyone else, the old charge on the farmer’s land remained. He still. had to pay for his reads per medium of heavy rating. Put in a nutshell, it was a supertax imposed on the farmers ; alone. The ' farmers thought that this system should now be done away with. Settlers shoukU-ndt be asked to pay more than: commercial and townspeople, but they-were doing to under this system. He knew the old idea would die very Hard, but still he felt,that the time liad.conie Ayhen farmers,ahd country people should go 50—50 in the upkeep

of the public highways. He hoped that tho Minister of Public Works would look into it. Mr Williams said the idea of freeing the farmer from taxation altogether in this respect did not appeal too kindly to him. The* petrol tax had placed all motor vehicle owners on an equal footing. Still, the matter might bear’investigation. The farmers should not be too quick to quote the volume of foreign traffic as a reason for the State doing up their roads. Even these foreign users paid rates to some county, and those who complained often used other people’s roads. However, he would see if some means could be found to relieve the position. EARNSCLEUGH IRRIGATION. A charge which Mr Coates has heard many times on his present visit to the south was the chief burden of the complaints made by Earnseleugh settlers about the extension irrigation scheme in their district. Earnseleugh was one of the only two settlements not represented in Dunedin on Saturday morning; but Mr C. F. Fryer who represented it to-day, doubt in the minds of the Ministers that the reason for their non-representation was JY’ t . a J ack of grievances.. He contended that the. Government unsympathetic administration had not given the settlers a chance. To prove this he quoted the summouses that had been received by local settlers for unpaid water rates. The Government did not scruple to prosecute whenever a man got into arrears • *i x or rester, who also spoke, objected to the charge made upon the original irrigators of the. district for the maintenance of the extension scheme. He considered that those concerned should do all the paying. Mr Fryer took up the cudgels on behalf ot these settlers, and mentioned a letter irom the Crown Prosecutor to himself as secretary of the Settlers’ Board of Control, which had administered the original scheme before the Government purchased the rights and took over the scheme. This board had struck a rate for race maintenance, and when it went out of existence there was a balance of £7 17s 6d. The Crown Prosecutor had written threatening proceedings if this sum was not paid over to the Government. That was not right, and he could not understand the department’s lack of tact and consideration.

At this stage Mr Marks interjected, whereupon the speaker turned to Air Coates and said: “ Sir, the attitude of Mr Marks here is the same as it was in Dunedin. We do not want any comments from him. If some responsible official asks me a question I will answer, but I am not going to explain anything to Mr Marks.”

Air Coates reminded Air Fryer that Air Alarks had charge of everything about which he was complaining, and knew the position best.

Returning to his grievance about the defunct board’s balance, Air Fryer said he could not see why the Government should grab the balance which their economy had provided. It was the settlers’ money.

Air Coates: Was it not the Crown’s money ? Air Alarks: The board acting as an agent struck a rate.

Air Furkert: Therefore the money belongs to his Alajesty the King. It -was raised to maintain the race, and as the Government now has the race it must also have the money.

Air Fryer said the money had since been spent on the board’s liabilities. Air Coates: What were they? A Voice: Air Bodkin’s fee for advice in respect of the Crown Prosecutor’s threat of proceedings. Air Fryer then went on to say that incomptency, wrong supervision, and mismanagement had resulted in public money being wasted and thrown away. Some of the work had cost five and sometimes 10 times as much as it should have cost. Air ATLeod: How do you know that? Air Fryer: Settlers have told me.

Air Al’Leod: Oh! You are taking the other fellow’s word. Air Coates: So we have made a hopeless mess of things. Air Fryer: Not quite hopeless. Air Coates: Can the fat be pulled out of the fire?

Air Fryer: I do not know. Air Coates: Could you do it, do you think? —(Laughter.) Air Fryer said the Government had ignored the settlers, and as a result had wasted public money. He then delivered himself of a feeling attack on the Government for the haste with which it had sued the settlers, producing one summons which purported to be for a sum covering this year’s rates. No proper inquiry, he declared, was made before a prosecution was rushed into.

Air Coates pointed out that not a settler had been sued for this year’s rates. All had been in arrears for many years. A list of debtors had been supplied to him, but as he knew many personally and knew they would pay if it was their last penny, he had urged the closest consideration before any action was taken. Individual examinations were made, but they could not go on for ever. Concluding, Air Coates said that Earnseleugh was never satisfied. They were always quibbling and splitting straws—always pernicketty, and forever making trouble. There were always new suggestions for running the scheme. He could say that although the Government had sued some Earnseleugh settlers it had had to do it. There was no lack of sympathy about it. The Crown had to take action in the interests of the public. He and his colleagues were going around the district that afternoon and they would look into different cases, for which purpose they would all take different routes. They would see if there was anything to do. IDA VALLEY-BLACKS ROAD.

Air Al'Knight and the Rev. A. Don asked the Alinister of Public Works if he would see that the Ida Valley-Blacks road was improved as quickly as possible. It was the only outlet for. the greatest irrigation scheme in the country, but the gradients were far too steep for produce transport. The raggedy road to Alexandra had been fixed up, but it affected only three settlers, two of ' ■ whom " were bitterly opposed to it. It would cost only £2OOO, ■ and- until it was done they could not get the best out of irrigation. Air Williams, in reply, .said it struck him as a particularly good .road, .but he would get a report on it. Hoivevcr, lie

could not promise them anything until he was sure that other settlers were not enduring worse roads. Before h e authorised the expenditure of £2OOO or even £lOOO he would want to be sure that other districts had roads as good. TOURS OF INSPECTION. In the afternoon the party visited set, t ers in the Earnseleugh district and were shown some of the remarkable results obtained since the opening up of the Fraser River irrigation scheme, which had been tne subject of so many complaints. A BUSY EVENING. After dinner at Alexandra the Ministers met deputations from the fruitgrowers and the Farmers’ Union prior to the public meeting addressed by the three Ministers. These deputations engaged the Ministers till 9 p.m., when tile publie meeting was commenced. lAIPORTED DRIED FRUITS. - T £ e , fi rst deputation was that of the local fruitgrowers. up the subject of a fT . i I™POrti? 1 ™ POrt i?H lon of drled fruits £ rom South Atrica. These, he said, were being brought into the country in increasingly large Quantities which would, in time, affect the local fresh fruit trade. Alanufacturers even this year, when fruit was plentiful, were using these dried fruits tor jam, even though local growers could not nud a market for their produce. The settlers knew that reciprocal treaties could not be broken at will, but he would like to impress upon the Ministers the seriousness of the situation from the grower’s point of view. Air Downie Stewart had promised consideration of the question when the treaty with South Africa was revised. Air Al Leod, as Alinister of Customs, explained the treaty which existed between New Zealand and South Africa. 1 his he said, covered a variety of commodities from each country, and they had to consider the larger body of primary producers who might be affected by a change in the treaty terms. He was not sure whether there was any industry which depended so largely upon South Africa that the treaty could not be altered, but that would be looked into by his department. When the Alinister suggested that the local growers should try drying their fruit he was told that it could not be done because New Zealand could not hope to compete with South Africa. In respect of frost-fighting in the stone fruit orchards, the deputation was unanimous that the experiment of this season had been a great success, so much so that many growers had taken the matter up themselves. They wished to thank the Government for what had been done, but they would like to see the experiments continued for another year. It was also suggested that a properly equipped meteorological experimental station should be established under the charge of an expert officer. His research work would prove invaluable to growers. Air Coates said he would confer with Dr Alarsden and Dr Kidson on this matter and see if it were possible to institute the service asked for. FARMERS’ REQUESTS. A deputation from the Dunstan branch of the Farmers’ Union next waited on the Alinisters. Air R. Tohill (president of the union), speaking for the Galloway and Manuherikia schemes, said he did not know of any settlers who had walked off their land as a result of irrigation in the last two or three years. As to the petition asking for a commission of inquiry into public works expenditure, the branch did not associate itself with it in any way, and did not suggest any such inquiry. The branch represented about 95 per cent, of the irrigators of the district. — (Applause.) Some settlers were undoubtedly finding it hard to carry on in present circumstances, but he was sure that after the Prime Alinister and the Alinister of Public Works had looked into the position something would be done for them. Air L. Ryan, referring to the presentation of the petition in Dunedin by Air AUcdonald, said that neither the Expansion Tieague nor anyone else had authority to act or to speak for the branch in any way.

Air W. A. Bodkin and Air S. Spain touched on financial matters, and urged, that it would help the settlers if the Government could see its way to allocate £20,000 or £30,000, or £50,000 of the State advances money as a special fund to be advanced to the settlers.

Air R. Gartley, referring to the Alanuherikia and Galloway schemes, said it was not likely that successful results would follow the work on the sections .set apart as plots for the reason that that work was different from the work done by the settlers. As to the charge per acre, 16s was too high, and 8s an acre would be a fair price in the meantime.

Air Ryan touched on the position of the farmer who had to depend on the Public Works Department. Something should be done right away, and either a small race should be constructed for the purpose or arrangements could be made with private right owners for a supply during the winter and spring months. . The Prime Alinister, in reply, expressed his pleasure at receiving requests from a Farmers’ Union, which was a representative body. With regard to the representations made in Dunedin, it seemed to him that the Dunedin people were honestly concerned about the progress of Central Otago. It was all to the good that people outside the district were interested in. its welfare as well as the people in the district itself. It was advisable, however, to come into contact with the men who were actually doing the work. “ I have not aJiassd my opinions,” said Air Coates. Central Otago has an important future, and it is possible "lowly but definite!}' to carry out progressive and satisfactory settlement provid"'' t’->» w-i"r can be supplied at a reasonable price.”—> (Applause.) He recoguiseu aiu<. »i:u,iurs had difficulties that ought to be cleared away, and it seemed to him that the position as it existed to-day called for close personal touch between the officers of the department and the individual farmer,’ and possibly the Farmers’ Union. It was necessary to create confidence in the minds of the irrigator, and if the irrigator had I onfidence the department or the Alinister ought.to have a certain amount of latitude in order to meet difficulties as they arose. As for finance, the Advances to Settlers’ Office and the Rural Credits

Branch were open to the farmers of Central Otago. - Air Bodkin said he had been informed that the Advances Department was not operating. The Prime Minister said the department was operating, in fact, it was just about to go on the market for another £400.000. That day Ministers had met settlers, some of whom had been successful. Others were satisfied that they had a reasonable proposition, and some were feeling a bit sad about the outlook. When a difficulty appeared they must search for the cause or it, and if they ascertained these causes and adjusted teem they could reasonably look for an improvement. They were trying to arrange the organisation so that it would fit in with the requirements of settlers, and with the requirements of particular localities. He did not know that any advantage would be gained from a Royal Commission —(applause)—but a care ful inquiry might be made into matters affecting not only individuals but localities. As for the water they were dependent io some _ extent on Providence for Alanuherikia, and he did not think they could for complete satisfaction until the big Manuherikia dam was completed—(applause) —and a permanent supply arranged for the settlers. It was unfortunate that acei dents happened, and they had to make the best of things when those mishaps came along, and repair them with every reasonable speed. Until they could provide definitely for a permanent supply of water it was possible they would have temporary hitches such as they had had that summer. It was not likely they would have breaks again—at any rate, they would become . fewer. CENTRAL OTAGO RAILWAY. Mr Charles Murray urged the extension of the Central Otago railway. Air Williams (Alinister of Public Works), said he would give consideration to the request.

PUBLIC MEETING. ADDRESSES BY MINISTERS. The Town Hall was crowded when brief addresses were given by the visiting Ministers. The addresses were interspersed with musical.items by Miss O’Kane, Miss Simonsen, Alias MTntosh, and Mr Black. The Mayor (Mr Bringans) presided. Air Williams (Minister of Public Works) spoke of the pleasure it had given him to inspect the different parts of the Centril Otago district. From what he had seen he had eevry confidence in the ultimate success of the irrigation scheme, and of the benefit it would be to Central Otago and to the Dominion. —(Applause). It had been said that the officers of his department were lacking in sympathy with the settlers. He did not think that was so. It had to be remembered that the officers working for the Public 'Works Department were working for the Government, and the money they were spending was the money of thie people of New Zealand, and they had to be very careful as to how they expended that money. The question of water . for stock had been alluded to several times during the tour. It was an important point for the settlers to think about. Stock required plenty of water, particularly the milking cow, and he would go into the question with the officers of his depart- • inent. It was not profitable to have plenty of stock if there was not plenty of water. at the same time. Ministers had listened to many requests and it ■was their duty to look into those requests in a manner that was fair to the taxpayers and to the districts on behalf of which requests were made. Anything he could do while he was Minister to help the district it would give him pleasure to do,

always bearing in mind the reservation that an eye must be kept on the expenditure as a matter of fairness to the general taxpayers of the Dominion.—(Applause.) The Minister of Lauds, Mr M'Leod, said he always looked forward to a visit to Centrial Otago, but on this occasion they had all set out in fear and trembling. At Dunedin they were met by a set of men who would have them believe that the bottom had fallen out of Central Otago, and who demanded an ending of things in genei al. As they had worked towards Alexandra, however, the dampening, effect of those representations had woin off until that,night they had met Alexandra irrigators and townspeople, and found that the spirit of optimism and confidence was as genera' there as in the other centres. While on the subject of confidence he would like to to them to tackle their own problems 'a little and not run to the Government for everything they wanted. They would not get far on that policy, but by shouldering their troubles and going to the Government in the right spirit when they really needed assistance they would help Central Otago on to that ultimate success in which they all believed and had confidence, and none more than the Government of New Zealand. Nothing sapped the vitality of a people so much as this over-dependence on a governmen. He felt sure that they were equal to all their problems and would overcome them, and he could assure them that the Governmen would do all it could. —(Applause.)

PRIME MINISTER’S ADDRESS. Mr Coates opened his address with a reference to land settlement, for which, he said, there was scope in both islands. Lt was tlie duty of a man in his position to >ee if he could find any opportunity to carry on this work where it was most needed. Perhaps that accounted for his liking for Central Otago which had been made the subject of a very pessimistic report bv the deputation in Dunedin. He would say nothing, but a great manypeople appeared to think that parts of the province- were going to wrack aaid ruin. He had been surprised to hear such reports since, for seven or eight years he had been coming to Central Otago, and he could not see how they could be true. Of course, in a place like Central Otago they were bound to encounter difficulties,' and though they had done a lot there they had never expected any great miracle to happen. They still had 800,000 acres to bring into cultivation, but they would do, it, and he felt sure that the , £BOO,OOO spent in Central Otago would be returned manifold as the years went by. But they would always have difficulties such as those brought to notice in the past few days. To him it was the longer aspect which appealed most. It vyas not a question of 150,000 acres, but of a whole district, and he had to watch that as much as much a§ the minor grievances that were being aired.- There must always be these problems. The finest engineers and economists in the world could not eliminate them. He would like to remind his hearers of the great debt which Central Otago owed to the Public Works Department and to Mr F. W. Furkert, engineer-in-chief, who had instituted the work and had watched it grow. Mr J. R. Marks and Mr F. Lindup and other officers of the department had also put in a great deal of good work which had resulted in Central Otago’s present fortunate position. They had done-‘their best for the district, but thtre were still pleny of difficulties and problems and the only way they eould tackle them was by means of the closest study of individual cases and problems. iLiese were seldom the same in any one district. The type of land; local conditions, and the human element had all-to be considered, but he was confident that the experience they would gain as they

went along would show them how best to deal with the various needs which arose. Speaking of the carrying out of public works, Mr Coates said it might be that Air Horn’s leader was that night blaming him for borrowing too much money and consigning this country to the mortgagee. Well, tie did not know how the Government could carry on necessary works unless it borrowed money. It was surely quite wise to anticipate development and ask the country to take a certain amount of responsibility in regard to the repayment of loans, provided the money was being expended on work that would stand on its own feet, thus making it possible to increase production and increase exports. Let them get on with the work of developing" the country and not howl so much about borrowing a million or two for irrigation. There were too many Jeremiahs for his liking. They had lost confidence in themselves and in the country. For the last 18 months the country had no doubt been going through a difficult period, and for that difficult period the blame was laid at the door of the Government. If blame were placed on the Government, then the Government must be entitled to credit for the manner in which the country was gradually pulling itself out of the Sloiqrh of Despond in which it had been struggling for some time and for bringing back prosperity to the people as a whole.— (Applause.) The difficulty in connection with the Manuherilpa scheme was that it was dependent on the amount of water in the Manuherikia stream. In addition, there had been a spell of dry weather. There was only one way to overcome the difficulty, and that was by the completion of the Upper Alanuherikia dam and the Poolburn dam, which would secure a definite supply of water. He believed the work already completed had been done as cheaply as wag possible at the time, and fair business management had been shown in carrying out that work. He believed the public works employees bad rendered splendid service to the people of the country.—(Applause.) Air Coates proceeded to read figures relating to the sheep and cattle sent from and brought into the Otiirehua, Omakau, and Alexandra centres, _ allowing the development that was taking place in those districts. The passenger revenue on the railway had increased from £2717 in 1919 to £4126 in 1927. He went on to speak of the necessity for increased production, which would bring increased prosperity and mentioned that at the end of December the trading accounts showed an increase of £8,250,000 over the amount at the end of the previous year. “So far as Lean see,” concluded Air Coates, “ although there may be difficulties here and there, we have no reason to be downhearted about the future of Central Otago.”—(Applause.) CONCLUSION. Air J. Horn, AI.P., who was called upon for a speech, was received with warm applause. He thanked the Ministers for visiting the Wakatipu electorate, and specially mentioned the Alinister of Public Works, who had given authority for numerous important works in the district. — On the motion of Mr Horn-, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Alinisters for their visit.

The meeting closed with cheers for the Ministers and Air Horn and the singing of “ For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”