There is, as Dr Chapple has insisted, no question about the imperative necessity for the adoption of irrigation if the productive potentialities of the land are to be realised.
But unless the residents and those who are concerned in all that affects the future of Central Otago are prepared to bestir themselves and to maintain a steady agitation there is no reason to suppose that the Government will not postpone indefinitely the action which it is pledged to take.
As far back as 1876, in the days of the old Provincial Government, an island in Blueskin Bay, having an area of about 74 acres, was, by special act, vested in a board of trustees to be set aside for recreation purposes for the inhabitants of Blueskin and surrounding districts.
Ever since then matters in connection with this trust have remained absolutely dormant, and three of the original trustees have since died.
Three new trustees were appointed, and a few days ago decided to go out to the island to inspect it.
Yesterday, Messrs A. Kilpatrick, Dr Truby King, and Mr C.R. Howden (trustees), Mr Thomas Mackenzie, MP, and Mr D. Tannock, whose services were granted by the City Council, went out to Waitati and crossed over to the island.
A general look round convinced the party that tree planting and otherwise improving the island for recreation purposes could be advantageously carried out, and that work will doubtless be put in hand very shortly.
The island is accessible with but little trouble either from the spit at Warrington or from Waitati, though in each instance a boat would be required to cross the Waitati stream or the channel.
At very low tide the island could be reached by walking across the mud flat, though in that case there would be the question of getting back the same way when the tide was full.
