NOXIOUS WEEDS MENACE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 308, 3 October 1929, Page 5

NOXIOUS WEEDS MENACE.

A BOARD SUGGESTED. Additional Inspector Wanted. The question of noxious weeds was again before the Putaruru branch of the Farmers’ Union at the September meeting, held on Saturday.

Two letters were received on the subject, the first, from the Matamata County Council, being in the nature of a reply to the branch’s request for the appointment of a noxious weeds inspector by the County Council. The purport of the letter was to the effect that while the council could appoint an inspector under the Noxious Weeds Act it was not usual to do so, and it seemed im-

probable that any advantage would accrue from such an appointment. The constitution of a noxious weeds board with similar powers to those possessed by rabbit boards was suggested, and the council intimated that it was writing to the Minister suggesting legislation along the above lines. The union was asked to make similar representations. The second letter was from the Department of Agriculture stating that several' county councils had appointed inspectors with jurisdiction within the respective counties. The department approved of this form of localised control and would like to see it extended. Unfortunately, however, county councils had not shown any great inclination to take it up. The suggested appointment of a nominee of the Farmers’ Union as an inspector with jurisdiction over a defined, area, with the retention of his Services only during the portion of the year when work in connection with ragwort, etc., warranted it, was in the department’s opinion a workable proposition. If the union desired to proceed along these lines the proposals would be considered, and, if possible, given effect to.

In opening a discussion along lipeSi somewhat similar to recent discussions on this vexed question, Mr. A. T. Morris said the Matamata County Council had agreed to the formation of a noxious weeds board. He was not keen on the idea, as it would mean that rates would have to be levied, and it opened up a big question. He favoured the appointment of an inspector who should work within the county area. The president (Mr. A. R. Vosper) gave it as his, opinion that the branch would do better! to work under a present-constituted body rather than to' create" further boards'.'

. Mr, Morris said that of three rabbit boards in the county area the Tokoroa Board was the ohly one that had taken up this phase of the work. Mr; Baldwin favoured the department paying for the inspector. The appointment of another inspector had been agitated for. It Was decided to support the idea of the appointment of a noxious weeds inspector, such an appointment to date from November 1 to February 28, the salary to be pah. by the Agricultural Department.

The County Council is to be informed that the branch strongly supports the idea of a noxious weeds board and that the appointment of an inspector would be advisable until such time as the proposed board functioned.