FIRE BLIGHT IN HAWTHORNS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 610, 22 February 1921, Page 5

FIRE BLIGHT IN HAWTHORNS.

(Contributed by the Department of Agriculture.) This disease has made most remarkable strides since last season. One has only to motor through the country, and at a glance even the uninitiated can detect its development. A closer examination of almost any thorn fence will reveal a greater extent of infection than is apparent to the casual observer. Last year quite a number of hedges were found infected, laut this year the person is very fortunate who posseses a fence free of the disease. In some instances it has taken time to locate, while in others it is easily discerned.

In some parts of the district ooze is even now very much in evidence, this being the deadly part of the disease, and insects of various kinds coming in contact with it readily spread the infection from place to place. In view of this, inspection of hawthorn fences is being carried out as expeditiously as possible., and the co-operation of the farming community is very much needed in dealing with this disease. The Department of Agriculture, recognising that labour difficulties may in certain instances render it difficult for farmers to readily comply with the recently issued notice calling on them to eradicate fireblight fiom their thorn hedges before the 31st March neat, is therefore prepared to grant an extension of time in all genuine cases, provided individual application is made, and the applicant gives his assurance in writing that he will attend to the work prior to the date mentioned in the application, and provided such date is not later than the 31st July of the present year. All such applications should be directed to the officer in charge of the district.