WATER FOR DRY LAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19624, 19 October 1933, Page 10

WATER FOR DRY LAND

VALUE OF IRRIGATION ACTION BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The wide advantages of the systematic and intelligent application of water to farmlands were pointed out to the Council of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce at its meeting last night by Mr A. C. Hurst, a fanner of Pakakaio, who has had many years experience with irrigation on his property, and who made a special visit to Timaru to address the Chamber. The address was prefaced by Mr C. E. Kerr, who referred to the kindness and courtesy of Mr Hurst when members of the Chamber recently visited his property, and who thanked Mr Hurst for the fund of valuable information he had given on that occasion. Mr Kerr claimed that South Canterbury had wonderful opportunities so far as irrigation was concerned. From a point at Washdyke and extending into the hills we had country ideally adapted for the purpose. As time went on the district seemed to be experiencing exceptionally dry seasons, and with the low prices farmers were receiving for their products, it was time* something was done to improve the i position. When one realised the parch- j ed nature of the countryside and the ! fact that there were thousands of j gallons of water going into the sea, it seemed necessary that some scheme should be devised whereby the waste water should be diverted on to the land with considerable benefit to the farmer. It must be borne in mind chat we were now into the tenth month of the year and to date we were 50 per cent, below the normal annual rainfall. It could be realised what was going to happen if we had a period of nor’westers which would sap the moisture at present in the soil. It had been stated that some South Canterbury rivers went dry during a drought period, but at the present time there was water in all our rivers and it would be possible to irrigate now and thus provide for ample feed. In any case there was always water available in the Opihi and Rangitata. He mentioned the possibility of suitable schemes for the application of water to the Levels plains and to an area of 45,000 acress between the Rangitata and Orari rivers. Improved Carrying Capacity. “In this country you get 22 to 24 inches of rain, but to get the best results from grassland farming you want about 45 inches,” said Mr Hurst, who explained that during a long association with the land he had experienced two or three droughts, and fully realised their effect on good stock, which was purchased as such, and which had to be disposed of for a song. It had been stated that topdressing was the thing for grasslands, but so far as Canterbury was concerned he doubted whether this would be much good without water. Understocking of farms went on yearly, but he felt sure that with the intelligent and systematic application of water, improved grass would mean increased carrying capacity and better returns. He had found that the grass on his property had improved yearly until it present it was carrying seven sheep and lambs to the acre. Dr Hilgendorf of Lincoln College, who had recently visited Papakaio described the speaker’s farm as being the nearest approach to a perfect pasture, which five or six years ago had been a rough paddock. People had advanced the theory that too much water meant rushes. The demand on the London market was at present for the lighter lamb, and while under dry conditions there was a tendency to secure the heavier lamb, there was no doubt that on the heavier pastures a bigger aggregate was to be had. Grass value was in the leaf and not in the stalk. As soon r*s a dry spell was apparent the grass ran to seed and sent up a stalk, but if watered this condition would not be evident until as late as December. “Critics have also saia,” continued Mr Hurst, "that with water there is no actual grass on a paddock, and that might be so. Personally I like the pasture a certain height—all the grass walks off in the shape of fat cattle.” Grass Grub Eliminated. The grass grub, said Mr Hurst destroyed thousands of acres of good pasture, but watered paddocks were not affected as its application brough the grub to the surface where it fell prey to thousands of gulls, which so far as his place was concerned, did not congregate there for the view’. Another advantage of irrigation, said Mr Hurst, was the great start ew’es were given in the autumn. He explained the system which operated on his property, stating that he could secure an abundance of water at a cheap rate, with a result that three times as much stock could be carried than was the case formerly. With plenty of water a farmer could face any natural drought conditions with confidence, and have the satisfaction of knowing that nis stock always looked well. ‘‘lrrigation is no wild dream,” said Mr Hurst, who proceeded to quote practical examples of its success in other countries. If oy its use carrying capacity and farm produce could be trebled, it would mean the trebling of the farm population with a result that all sections of the community would benefit by the increased prosperity. He had nspected parts of the South Canterbury district and felt confident that what had been done in other places could be accomplished here by increasing the present races to carry more. So far hs the Orari was concerned he could get water out of there in a very short time with two or three men to assist him. Mr Hurst summed up his advocacy of irrigation as follow’s: stock with greater safety; (2) no re- ! newal of grass—a very big item; C3> j elimination of the grass grub; (4) full ! value of top dressing; (5) a larger ! percentage of lambs: (6) the economj ical use of unemployed; (7) it took the gamble out of farming. Committee Appointed. The chairman (Mr A. P. Greenfield) j said he hoped that as a result of Mr ' Hurst's address many farmers would | take advantage of the information j and try experiments for themselves, it was very fine to see Mr Kerr, a memi ber of the Chamber, taking such a live j interest in the betterment of the lot of the farmer in South Canterbury. 1 The Chamber would go into the matj ter and map out some line of action. Mr Hurst was accorded a vote of | thanks for his address. Mr J Anstey said that Mr Hurst's property appeared ideal for irrigation, but that might not be the case so far as South Canterbury was concerned. The Chamber would have to move slowly in the matter. It might oe possible to arrange for an experiment with a few acres for a start, the work to be under the direction of an expert Mr J Cleland said that all would igree with th* value of irrigation, but the greatest difficulties so far as South Canterbury was concerned appeared to him to be the volume of water availj able and the cost i A committee comprising the presi--1 dent, and Messrs Anstey. Kerr. Cleland and J W. Adams was appointed to discuss the matter and report.