NOXIOUS WEEDS.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2368, 26 January 1915, Page 8

NOXIOUS WEEDS.

MASTERTON A. AND P. SOCIETY'S VIEWS. (From Our fiDeciai OorresoondMit.) Masterton, January 25. The sub-committee ot the Masterton A. and I'. Association has prepared the following reply to the circular issued by the Board of Agriculture, asking for recommendations concerning the administration of the N<xious Weeds Act:—"As there are some districts in New Zealand in which noxious weed 3 Have got beyond control, tliis committee would make the following suggestions:—(l) That the head district inspector thoroughly inspect his district and make a report of the localities where the Act can be enforced, and where, in his opinion, it is impossible. This report to be forwarded to the county councils interested; the county councils to decide what action shall be taken. (2) Where land has been taken possession of by blackberry, gorse, or sweet briar, and cannot be ploughed, we would recommend that the Government take it over or encourage owners to plant It with trees which will have a tendency to smother the weed. (3) We consider that both blackberry and Californian thistle should be vigorously dealt with in this district, as the majority of our lands are still capable of being profitably cleared, and many farmers are beinp penalised 1 in consequence of the inaction of careless neighbours. (4") We also consider th/it ei ery weed scheduled as 'noxious' should be eradicated_ on its first appearance, and before if. Teaches the stage when it gets beyond control, as is the case at present, when we have to wait until a weed becomes, a serious pest before any action is taken."