A COSTLY JOB

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23322, 4 October 1945, Page 4

A COSTLY JOB

Rangitata Diversion (F.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 3. According to his calculation of the costs of the Rangitata diversion, the Ashburton irrigation scheme and the Mayfield-Hinds scheme the expenditure involved on these three Mid-Canterbury irrigation schemes, including this year's estimates, would be approximately £3,000,001), said Mr J. Acland (National, Temuka) in the House tonight when the estimates for irrigation were under review. Mr Acland asked how much of the cost of the Rangitata scheme which, he said, to date was approximately £1,685,000 would be charged against irrigation and how much against electricity supply. The Hon. R. Semple said that between £120,000 and £130,000 would be charged against the Highbank power scheme. Mr Acland said there was a great deal of money to get back from irrigation. The Minister said it would be returned in many ways, such as increased production and increased settlement. It was a gigantic work, but the evidence was that it would pay for itself in the course of time. Replying to f Acland, who inquired what the vote of £15.000 for the Downland scheme entailed, the Minister said it was to complete the job in the southern area. Mr Aclard also asked whether the Washdyke Lagoon vote of £ll7O was for experimental work or to start a scheme to take off the water and assist the Seadown farmers. The Minister said the vote was lo get on with the job by whatever methods could be adopted.