Arizona republican., 1919-05-06

permanent water rights by the survey board. After @ conference in Wash ington with the secretary of the in terior, in which the association was represented by President Wilkinson and Legal Adviser Gust, the secretary agreed to base his decision on the re- port of an expert engineer. Homer Mamlin was appointed by the director of the reclamation service, and after an investigation is now preparing his re- port. By agreement the scope of his inquiry was extended to cover the need Of project lands for an additional wa ter supply and the possibility of ex- tending the project boundaries should the increased water supply warrant as well as the original question as to the disosition of the dam as between ad- verse interests outside and the exclu- sive benefit of the project lands.
 Need of More Water Felt
 Depletion of the volume of stored wa ter early in the year made it seem ad- visable to consider plans for adding to the supply by pumping from under ground sources. So urgent was the need of preparing for a prospective shortage that a special election was called in August at which it was voted to assess approximately half million dollars with which to install pumps capable of developing about 220,000 acre feet of water On the advice of a. board of engineers appointed for that purpose, the wells were so located so as to give the best results in reducing the ground water level which in several areas within the project was coming dangerously near the surface These wells are now being drilled, pumps m stalled and will be ready for operation when the big summer demand for IT, rigation is on.
 The same board of engineers lnvestl- gated the drainage question and made a comprehensive report showing the need of work in the way of both addl- tional pumps and deep ditches in order to avoid the danger of further damage to areas already near the danger line of submersion. As under the present articles of incorporation, the associa- ton has no power to engage Tn dra1n- age operations. an amendment to give such power was put up to the share holders at the general election and was defeated.
 Prepared for Shortage
 Taking heed Of the threatened water S0OTIdSG anu III CiEtOAAeAiAOC hAHAA Nii~ articles. an apportionment of stored water and that developed from pumps was made for the present irrigation year, dividing the water equally among the acres having permanent water rights in the project.
 A new policy has been established by the association by making waste ditches a part of the system. Arrange ments are being made to take them over after fulfilling certain conditions and establishing the quarter section as the unit, the same as for delivery laterals.
 A new policy has been established by the association by making waste ditches a part of the system. Arrange ments are being made to take them over after fulfilling certain conditions and establishing the quarter section as the unit, the same as for delivery laterals.
 In the way of construction work, the association has installed a new unit in the Highline pumping plan for. which the cost will be reimbursed in two years by the owners of lands under that canal which receives the benefit of the work Installation of needle valves in the north tunnel at Roosevelt is under way to replace the balanced valves. A new power plant is com pleted and will soon be in operation at the Chandler site. A change in line of about two miles of the Arizona canal has been decided upon in order to avoid further damage by flood breaks from Cave Creek. For this pur- pose, a caterpillar action drag line eX- cavator has been ordered which will afterward be used for maintenance work on the canal. Contract has beer awarded for the building of a garage and machine shop in which will be housed the fleet of auto vehicles use( in the operation of the project
 Three vacancies have occurred in tht board of governors during the year two by resignation and one by death
 The board has held 30 meetings an( in addition there have been eight com mittee meetings. The council has me seven times and there nave been foul | joint meetings of the two bodies. Financial Statement
 Starting the year with a balance O $242, ,53647, there has been received