§ Mr. S. MITCHELLasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that during the last few years much arable land has deteriorated owing to the want of re-draining; that the cost of re-draining with tile drains is in the neighbourhood of £16 to £20 per acre; and that this expenditure is in many cases prohibitive and does not give an adequate return on the outlay and what steps he proposes to take in order to prevent much land gradually going back to its natural condition?
Mr. WOODI am aware that the cost of tile draining is so high as to be in many cases prohibitive. Mole-draining is, however, an effective and inexpensive substitute. A considerable number of demonstrations of modern methods of mole-draining have been held in various parts of the country, and the Ministry proposes, in conjunction with county authorities, to hold such demonstrations in all districts where instruction is required.