WASTE LANDS AND NOXIOUS GROWTHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3771, 24 March 1928, Page 3

WASTE LANDS AND NOXIOUS GROWTHS.

A well-known Rangitikei farmer; dn conversation with our representative on Thursday in referring to the growth of lupin, said this plant had its uses in sand-drift areas and could be controlled when it had served its purpose on sandy wastes. The real menace to farmers, in his opinion, was the blackberry pest, compared with which the lupin was a mere circumstance. He said he had found it necessary to destroy a piece of native bush, which he valued highly, because it afforded shelter for the growth of blackberry. “The trouble was that mimbers of settlers on this coast had large areas of poor land covered with noxious growths which would be too costly to deal with. The only way to keep the land clear and make it productive was by close settlement. When New Zealand has a population of ten millions and waste lands are occupied and scientifically treated, noxious weeds would disappear.” Speaking of sanddrifts, he said the settlers had power to deal with this subject in a comprehensive manner by forming a “Sand Drift Board,” which igave the Board power to levy rates and carry out a policy of afforestation. “The settlers themselves have the power to shake thinks up, pai - ticularly in this county,” lie concluded.