戰後水利會水利小組的變遷（1945－1975）

Abstract

”The Irrigation Group,” the earliest grassroots water resource organization in Taiwan, was established in 1924 in Huwei Section of Chia-Nan Irrigation District. Originally regarded as the smallest practice team, the Group mainly aimed to manage the drainage waterways. After the World War II, the Irrigation Association retained its title from 1948 to 1956. Reorganized in 1956, the Association was again named ”The Irrigation Group.” Generally, the organization of a water resource team was based on location and organized by the area people. The staff of a group included a team leader, a squad leader, and group members; they set up rules to regulate themselves. The administration was under the supervision of the Irrigation Group. The work of the irrigation teams differed in places and times though their main functions were the same. In the earlier stage, they focused on promoting crop rotation, improving land condition and regulating water resource; later they concentrated on establishing small waterways and coordinating the work submitted by the Irrigation Associations. Due to their high local mobilizing capacity and strong organization, the Irrigation Group's importance was recognized by the authority. With the reorganization of the Irrigation Association in 1956, KMT was eager to put all Irrigation-related associations under its control. Chiang Kai-shek once instructed that ”The Farmers' Association and the Irrigation Association exert a fundamental influence on the public. Although the organization and the work of each association have been updated, it is still necessary to pay special attention to them. Besides, the annual review of these associations is imperative for enhancing the influence of our party.” The Irrigation Group after changing anew remained ”the most grassroots organization” and ”very well-organized and mobilizing”; they then became the most integrated grassroots organization.