The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-12-15
RESUME Mill CASE PLAN WATERWAYS
Extensive Changes Urged in
State Irrigation Laws.
Conference Being Held Today
With Governor Allen.

Plans for extensive changes IN state
irrigation and waterways laws are
under discussion today in the supreme
court chamber. More than $50 men
interested in the proposals to be made
to the legislature next month are at
tending the meeting.
Combipcd With Industrial Court.
That a large amount If not all of
the irrigation and water way organ
ization may be combined with the in
dustrial court, was apparent in the
days discussion. Speeches by dozen
or more men familiar with the pro-
gram were called before the crowd.
A number of legislators, as well as
engineers, attorneys, representatives
of state schools, railroads, public serv-
ice corporations and heads of several
state departments are attending the
meeting.
The legislative program will call for
the placing of the state irrigation COM
missioner under the Industrial court
instead of in the state agricultural de-
partment. The state water commits
sion will also be absorbed by the court
or made part of its working organi-
cation, according to plans advanced
today. Authority to direct changes in
water courses, building of dams. dikes
and jurisdiction of drainage districts
are additional powers and responsibili-
ties suggested for the industrial court.
Recommend Many Changes.
Important changes recommended" ;"
said Governor Allen. "provide for
state inspection and control of engi-
neering plans for the regulation of
uncontrolled flood waters and for the
drainage of overflowed lands within
townships, unties, cities and drain
age districts: also to strengthen and
extend co-op.ration between the state
and the local organizations engaged in
the control and utilization of the water
resources in order that these or lniza-
tions may function more effectively"
The governor was followed by H.
A. Rice. secret. ! of the Kansas water
commission. professor of engineering
at the University of Kansas, who dis
cussed tn Sc proposed changes in the
states water laws. T. A. Pollock of
Kaw Valley drainage district, spoke on
the advantages of a statewide flood
and drainage system, as compared
with the present system whereby each
district is Independent of the others
The same subject was discussed by
Dean p. F. Walker of the K. q. school
of engineering, and by Arthur Groes-
beck, Manhattan.
N. c. Grover, chief hydraulic en-
gineer of the United States geological
survey, Washington, D. c., is to ad-
dress the conference this afternoon
on the relation of the federal govern
ment to the investigation and control
of water resources in Kansas. Other
speakers are: George S. Knapp. state
irrigation commissioner: S. D. Flora.
federal meteorologist for Kansas, who
is to speak on stream flow records and
their value; Robert Blair. general at
torney for the Union Pacific railroad !;
w. w. Brown. Parsons. attorney for
the NJ. K. & T. railroad: J. NJ Chal-
lis, Atchison, attorney for the Missouri
Pacific railroad: F. W. Epps, bridge
engineer of the state highway depart
ment; Roger c. Rice, Topeka. district
engineer. United States geological sur
vey. Raymond C. Moore. state geolo-
gist, Lawrence; c. A. Schneider. Gar
den City; F. Dumont Smith. Hutchin-
son; Arthur Groesbeck. Manhattan:
F. L. Williamson, Clay Center; Col A.
NJ. Harvey, Topeka: H. A. Ploughe.
Ozawkie; ]. NJ. Ryan, Muscotah; A. H.
Jewell, engineer. state board of
health; Mayor Walter Pleasant, Ot-
tawa: H. a. Russell. Fort Scott; Will
bur Stanfield. city water commission
er, Topeka; w. A. s. Bird, Topeka; and
Attorney General R. ]. Hopkins.