NOXIOUS WEEDS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 608, 15 February 1921, Page 5

NOXIOUS WEEDS.

WHAT ARE THEY ? Every farmer is familiar with the noxious weeds in his own district. He regards them as a necessary evil which Nature has seen fit to bring forth wherever soil is tilled or plants grow. The good farmer makes a point of eradicating them at every opportunity, while his indifferent neighbour is reminded of his duty by the itinerary inspector. But a man coming from Europe to this antipodean colony would find it at first difficult to distinguish between a useful plant and a weed. The fact is that a number of cultivated plants in England and France make such a prolific growth in the moist New Zealand climate that immediate steps have to be taken to arrest thei:' vitality. Gorse, for example, is most troublesome where farming operations are to be carried on successfully. In France its growth is only ■normal, and, by being easily controlled, it is useful. Probably expecting to find that to be the same in New Zealand early immigrants brought out seed with them. The results of their early hedge planting are apparent in most districts, but, during spring, mile after mile of the yellow blossoms are to be seen in Papatoetoe and Mangere—-all knotted trunks, 50 years old.

An enterprising French nurseryman of Takapuna says that the real need is a leguminous plant which, while being easy to grow, will also be controllable! He thinks he has found the desired plant, and has been given permission to introduce it into the Dominon. It has even a decided spectacular effect from a distance; but at close quarters is an ominous looking thing with its spikes. 4in long and sharper than a needle. Technically it is known as accasia eburnia. No local name has yet been given to it. All that remains to be known is whether the plant will conform with New Zealand climatic conditions without getting beyond control, as the gorse. If it does farmers will be assured of a stout hedge, which will the alike impenetrable to man, bird or beast. No fences will be needed where it is grown. If it does not, it must at least be prevented from becomintg a noxious weed. Blackberry, like gorse, is regarded as one of the worst of weeds; but it is not difficult to conceive a locality where it could e propagated for its fruit just as the raspberry or strawberry. Thus it is seen that even noxious weeds are only such when conditions are congenial, except with such weeds as ragwort.