The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1915-09-10
oRov1LLE. WASH. SEPTEMBER 10 1915
TIMELY SUGGESTION,

| The following communication con-
'aihs matter for reflection on the part
OF every land owner under the new ir-
rlgation project now in process of con-
struction. According to the contract
this system of canals, fumes and
uitches will be completed in time to
turn on the water next summer. In or
DER that advantage can be taken of the
water, owners should be preparing
land now for planting and irrigation.
A point las been reached in the pro-
gress of this great irrigation project.
when the land owners, those directly
interested in the reclamation of the
land, must do something to help them
selves and secure the best results from
the application of the water to lands
SO long unproductive. Every acre must
bear its pro rata of the cost of con-
struction. Every acre must become
productive to meet that cost. In it's
present shape it is not very inviting
to the investor. The lard muct be put
in better shape to command a ready
sale, if selling is an object. This re-
quires time. To secure the benefit of
the water the land must be prepared to
grow something. Mr.. Grahams letter
calling attention to this matter is very
timely. 1t should be recd and it's sug-
gestions followed, for there is no ques-
ton but that the success of the system
depends largely upon the land own
ers:
Dear Sir
l understand that there is very little
land under the West Okanogan Valley
project being prep.1ed for irrigation.
| think that The attention of every
body concerned should be called to
the fact that they should not proceed
on the assumption that all of these
lands are going to be cut up and sold
Immediately. Ten thousand acres of
comparatively high priced irrigated
lands is q whole lot OF land to dispose
of especially a these times. There has
been very little doing in land sales in
the northwest for some time past, and
that condition exists yet. People most
ly want free lands or cheap lands. The
greater part of the transactions that
are being made ere trades. Ii is not 60
irg to be easy to Colonize this project
quickly, but we are putting forth every
effort to accomplish it as rapidly as
possible. We think that the land owners
should get their land into shape for
irrigation. The more improvements
they make on their lands the more lik-
liEood there is of their being able to
sell it. In the event of their not being
able to dispose of it they will derive
some income from the lald which will
enable them to carry it until 1t is pos
sible to ntercs, a sufficient number
of people to take ever the excess acre
age. With them tnis is very impor-
tant matter, and we would like to I'M
press upon the Interested persons the
fact that they must do something in
the way of preparing their lands for
irrigation.
Doubtless there are many people
who entertain he idea that they are
going to be able to sell off their lanGs
before the water is turned on, and If
new settlers should not materialize in
sufficient numbers IL the meantime
there will be some disappointments.
The safe and sound thing to do is for
everybody to pr p're as much OF then
land for irrigation for next year as
possible, and go on the assumption
that they are going to hold it and utll-
izo it. Then they will be just that much
ahead if buyers co matorialize,
Your truly,
F. M. GRAHAM.