Imperial Valley press., 1910-08-20

water-users was called for last Thursday at Imperial to receive the opinion of Attorney Haines on the question of organizing an irrigation district, but a quorum failed to at- tend and no business was done. The members present were in favor of having petitions prepared at once, but George Reed declined to sign rec- ommendation that attorneys be en- ployed to prepare petitions.
 Following is the opinion in full of Attorney Haines;
 San Diego, Cal, August II, 1910. Messrs. F. s. Webster, Porter Fergu-
 son and R. D. McPherrin.
 Gentlemen:-
 As a committee of the Imperial Valley Water Commission, you have done me the honor to address to me communication in which I am re- quested as follows:
 ITO examine carefully the provis- ions of that certain act of the legisla- ture of the State of California, known as the Bridgford Act, and submit tc said commission as soon as practica- ble their individual written opinions as to applicability of the provisions of said Bridgford Act, to the legal contractual geographical and inter- national conditions involved in the present conditions of canal ownership and control in the Imperial Valley. | That said opinion shall show among things:
 First: Can each of the present mutual water companies in the val ley organize it's territory as an irri- gation district, under said Bridgford Act, and take over and operate the canal system of each of the present mutual water companies?
 Second: Can such Irrigation Dis tricts, when so organized, contribute in proportion to their several interests in the purchase of the properties ot the California Development Company and the Mexican Company?
 Third: Can such Irrigation Dis tricts, when so organized, expend any funds which may be raised by bond issues in acquiring property in Mex ico or in making necessary improve ments, extensions or protective work in Mexico?
 Fourth: What effect would Dis trict Organization have upon oul present acquired or prior water rights collectively or individually?
 I am fully sensible of the very great importance of the interests and ques- tions involved in the inquiry thus made.
 will first undertake to make some answer to the first two of the saiG questions specifically stated by you after which I will undertake to state the general result to which my study of the situation and investigation o the law has caused me to reach, whicf will contain in itself the answers tC the third and fourth of such question. specifically stated. In answer to these first two questions in their order, submit;
 First A majority in number of tht holders of title or evidence of title tC lands susceptible to irrigation iron the Colorado river by the same system of works, such lands lying within de fined boundaries of territory described in the articles of incorporation of an! of the mutual water companies, an( representing the majority in value O such lands, may doubtless propose the organization of an irrigation dis trict within such boundaries, subjec to such changes as the Board of Su peryisors might make as provided il Section of the Act approved Marcl Sl, 1897, commonly referred to as tho Bridgeford Act Such an irrigation district If formed, could doubtless pur chase the distributing system of tho