Action On Noxious Weeds Urged

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31107, 9 July 1966, Page 19

Action On Noxious Weeds Urged

(From Our Own Reporter)

TIMARU, July 7.

Local bodies and others responsible for administering the Noxious Weeds Act should implement the provisions of the act more rapidly, said the South Island Rabbit Boards’ Association at its annual conference.

Speaking to a remit from the North Otago, South and Mid-Canterbury Boards. Mr J. M. Sutherland, of Otaio, said he did not think local bodies took sufficiently strong action to deal with the noxious weed problem. Noxious weeds greatly affected the control of noxious animals. For instance, it was very difficult to clear rabbits from heavy patches of nodding thistle. Mr K. Baxter, of Ashburton, said he did not think the association should tell others how to run their business. County councils had been doing a good job, especially in the last 10 years. Mr Baxter said in difficult cases county councils could only enforce the act by court action. He suggested the remit be dropped. Mr G. L. Burdon, of Central

Otago, said in many cases it would not be economic for landholders to undertake complete weed control. “If two men began in the morning they could lay £lOOO worth of pellets for controlling sweetbriar by nightfall. Such a suggestion is just not economic,” he said. “Although it is not in our field, it is a fact that weeds are getting worse,” said the chairman (Mr C. C. S. Parker). “Something will have to be done about them.”

The remit was carried by 50 votes to 46.

WINDSOR LADIES.— BogeySection I <l-29): Mrs I. Strahf. 1 dosvn; Mrs J. Cocks, 2 down; Mrs K. Gopperth, 3 down. Section II <3O-36): Mrs I. Sinclair, 2 up; Mrs M. Howell, 5 down; Mrs C. Parkin, 6 down; Mrs G. Allan, 6 down; Mrs I. Henderson. 6 down. C grade: Mrs J. E. Ford. 3 down; Mrs C. C. Williams. 7 down.