CALIFORNIAN THISTLE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8364, 26 February 1913, Page 2

CALIFORNIAN THISTLE

ARE SQUATTERS FAVOURED BY “ REFORM.” SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. There is nothing more likely to bring pressure to near* on tno small lahuo .viler to dispose ot ills tarm than tile spread ot uio Liiuuorman thistle (.says tno “ Mangaweka toettier ” in an editorial). To me credit of tho small farmer in' these parts he has compiled with the requirements of tile iaW vmnout any undue pressure from tile l/auds Department. On tha other hand, we learn.that certain targe laddnuluers in this district are doing little or nothing to 1 .eradicate tne evil. Furthermofo, we are Informed that two of meir number recently interviewed the authorities in Wellington, and as a result of that visit have been able to shape the law to serve their greed, if this is the Reform party’s idea ot justice, it opens Up Some interesting questions. To what extent can it be doped that the administration of the law will mitigate the evil at which it is aimed? Can it, under such conditions by any stretch of imagination be considered a fair deal to the small farmer? Is it any wonder that the small settlers are already suspicious ot the intentions of tho Reform party to exert its power to check th© rapacity of the land speculator ? Here is an instance of the small former being victimised immediately the squatter holds up his vulturous claws. All thfough this country there is already a crying need for protection from this sort ot thing. Whilst the small farmer is endeavouring to keep down one of the greatest pests and save his home, the supporters of Reform are gloating over the fact that his Californian thistle can flourish without hindrance, and eventually drive the struggling settler aWay from his holdings, to be annexed by the capitalist. Our squatter friends have been privileged to shape the law to serve their greed. The Government have favoured them to an extent' that is positively shocking, though it is not surprising that it should be so when one grasps the truth that it is absolutely essential to do this sort of thing to keep the present party in power and prevent its collapse.