FIREBLIGHT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19179, 9 December 1927, Page 14

FIREBLIGHT.

RISK IN HAWTHORN HEDGES. [THE PRESS Special Sendee.] WELLINGTON, December 8. The Department of Horticulture has now completed the survey of hawthorn hedges in the Nelson district which was asked for by fruitgrowers, and it is established that there is a considerable number of hawthorn hedges within the fruit-growing area. In the event of fireblight making its appearance these hedges would exorcise a great influence on the position Firebight appears to spread in a most uncanny manner, but it is found that steppingstones in the form of plants are necessary and no such stepping stones exist between the North and South Islands. The Department is convinced, therefore, that it will be some years yet before fireblight makes its appearance in the South Island, though the possible transference of the blight is recognised. Notwithstanding this fact, fruitgrowers in the South Island will be well advised to take time by the forelock and proceed with the gradual elimination of hawthorn hedges and the substitution of some more suitable form of hedge growth. With this done, should fireblight make its appearance in the South Island, action will not have to be taken for the removal of these hedges and confusion will not tie caused by their presence. One basic principle is recognised: hawthorn and fruit trees cannot possibly grow side by side satisfactorily in any district when fireblight is present.