The territory embracing something near 140.000 acres is changed from grazing land to splendid irrigated farms. There have been many changes from the original conceptions and altruistic ideas. There have been a number of modifying acts relating to the irrigation statute, making longer time for the payments, but the costs have mounted rather higher than the original estimates. It is expected that this will all be adjusted in due time with ultimate justice to all.

Water Users Association The original plans required the organization of a water user association. This was done at a series of meetings held in Scottsbluff. The incorporation of their names as appears in the articles filed with the secretary of the state are: G. L. Shumway, F. F. Everett, J. A. Smith, J. C. McCreary, W. N. Randall, Wenzel Hiersche, M. A. Sams, M. K. Powers, Andrew Crawford, John Powers, John Hall, Frank A. McCreary, E. T. Westervelt, Anton Hiersche, H. L. Sams, L. L. Raymond, J. A. McGowan.

The following were named as officers : President, Harvey L. Sams ; Vice President, Wen-

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

zel Hiersche ; directors, W. N. Randall, D. D. Davis, C. A. Elquist, H. M. Arnold, John Powers, Elmer Hathway. and John Hall. The capital stock was originally $200,000.

The inception of the water users plan found its origin in the Salt River valley, Arizona. The editor-in-chief was informed of its existence by the editor of the Irrigation Age, Mr. D. H. Anderson, of Chicago. Immediately, I wrote for a copy of these articles, and with some amendments to meet local conditions, these were the articles adopted by the North Platte Valley Water Users Association.