THE THISTLE NUISANCE.

North Otago Times, Volume I, Issue 7, 7 April 1864, Page 6

THE THISTLE NUISANCE.

To the Editor of the Oamaeu Trnrs. g IBi — Observing in your impression of Thursday last a paragraph drawing attention to the thistle nuisance, and being a sufferer by it myself, I therefore beg space to make a few remarks with the view to induce, if possible, measures being taken to eradicate these weeds, or prevent them from spreading. The great portion of the land in the Province is fit only for pastoral purposes. If, then, thistles aie allowed to spread over and take possession of it, it will cost more to eradicate them than the land is worth. It would limit the grazing area, reduce and injure the quantity of wool ; besides the land would thereby be impoverished to a degree. These facts must have been patent to the fiamers of the " Thistle Ordinance," but the present administration seem to have lost sight of them altogether, for as yet (as you have justly remarked) they have failed to put it into operation ; and the result is that over a gieat extent of this district, along the Kakanui River, on Mr Tcschmaker's lun, and up the ShagValley, the weed has spread considerably and grown luxuriantly. Some time ago, money was voted to destroy the thistle in this district, but it might as well have remained where it was, for the peisons employed to cut it down did not come to do so until the weed was seeding— then it was too late. The fact is, Sir, the present " Ordinance" is based on a false principle. For so long as the land is the property of the State, nobody will take care to protect it from the invasion of such enemies to husbandry, And since, moreover, the Government have not the means to keep down the nuisance as the settlers have, it therefore seems to me that when the weed has made its appearance the Government ought at once to sell the land. It would be for the interest of the owner to keep his land free from weeds, and when he neglected to do so it could be done at his expense. By this means the Government, as the custodian of the public property, would discharge their duty in this respect, and prevent the depreciation of land in value, in some cases from becoming unsaleable.—Yours, &c, Observer Otepopo, April 2, 1864.

To tlie Editor of the Oamaiuj Times. Sik,— l have lately been painfully interested in accounts of several disastrous fires, and I think it would be well to take warning from them. Although this town has so many wooden erections, I believe no provision has been made against fire, in the shape of engine or brigade. Hoping this subject may receive the attention it deserves, I am, Bee, Geokge Stjmptek. Oamaru, April 4, 1864.

To the Editor of the Oamaktt Trams. g IB , — Twice have I seen a notice in your paper about the filthy state of the Oamaru Creek within the last three weeks, and yet nothing is done to remedy the evil. I think some of the members of the Town Board, who take office from a sense of duty, should give us some substantial evidence of the truth of such assertion by stirring themselves to remedy such an intolerable nuisance. — Yours, &c, Aratjliness.

To the Editor of the Oamaett Times. Sir,— While the Town Board is engaged in works of enclosure, I would beg to call attention to the ruinous state of the fence at that part of the Creek opposite the Oamaru Hotel. Any one approaching the town from the North on a dark night, would run great risk of falling into the deep pool in that locality. Let it be seen to before another life be sacrificed there. — Yours, &c, Ancient Bbiton. Oamaru, April 5, 1864.

To the Editor of the Oamaktt Tikes. Sir, — Passing through your town some time ago, on my way to Christchurch with horses, I was accosted by a stubby, goodhumored looking little man on hoiseback, apparently with an eye to business, stating that "he had been sent by Mr Wilson, advising me to follow the plough-line to the Company's New Ferry," and representing it to be the shortest and best road to Timaru. What this very little individual's reason could have been for wishing me to follow the plough-line to the Company's New Ferry on the Waitaki, is more than I can possible imagine, unless he wanted the trouble of looking for me with a candle and lantern in the Wahio. And also allow me to add that the style in which the Company aie touting for fares is highly condemnatory. And as for its being the nearest road, it is the most scandalous gull that ever I heard of, the road to Tyler and Brown's being the only road, and by far the shortest. Trusting you will insert these few remarks in your next issue, for the benefit of strangeis not acquainted with the country, I remain, &c, A Horse Dealer.