THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, FEB. 11, 1909 RAGWORT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 130, 11 February 1909, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, FEB. 11, 1909 RAGWORT.

The letter which appeared in last issue of the "Chronicle" dealing with the noxious weed pest is deserving of the careful attention of settlem in all parts of the district. That ragwort has worked immeasurable harm in other districts is not to be denied, and although it is contended by some, that places which carry sheep are in no serious danger from the pent, it iB none the less a menace to settlers through' out the Dominion. Any district such as our?, with settlement still in the initial stages, and with vast areas of land still untouched is open to inroads of pests of every description, and it rests with the settlers entirely as to whether the pests arc allowed to spread to the detriment of the whole district. Weeds arc growing extensively on occupied and unoccupied land, and while settlers allow the pest to flourish unchecked on their holding?, | (here is little use in clamouring at the j | Government tp have Native and Crown | lands kept p|esn. It has been the cus- j ! torn to brand unoccupied lands as \ I nothing but breeding grounds for; | rabbits and noxious weeds, and, bow.- j ever true the charge may hpve been, . it is to be doubted if the evils referred j to have been materially checked since j the lands came into occupation. The | Department of Agriculture has waged j W#r successfully against the rabbits on 1 unoccupied lands, and doubtless will j perform good work in connection with j the weed#, Jt remain? for the settlers' j to ably second these efforts, and assist loyally in the work of extermination. . The benefits to be derived therefrom by the whole district are obvious, and with the powerful lever of eelf-intcrest inspiring them our settlers should t to work without delay. (