FIREBLIGHT MENACE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 68, 11 June 1927, Page 20 (Supplement)

FIREBLIGHT MENACE

ERADICATION OF HEDGES PROTEST FROM FARMERS (From Our Oven Correspondent.) PALMERSTON NORTH, To-day. For some little time past orchardists in the Manawatu and particularly those situated within the confines of Palmerston North, have been considerably perturbed by the presence of fireblight which had been carried by the bees from the hawthorn hedges to the fruit trees, apple blossom and the pear tree itself suffering severely. The orchardists sought that Palmerston North be declared a commercial area, which would thereby entail the destruction of all hawthorn hedges within that radius. The Government also interested itself in the matter and provisions were made for the passing of an Order-in-Council making it compulsory on farmers in certain districts to eradicate hawthorn hedges, owing to the prevalence of fireblight. Naturally the farming community considered they were being called upon to bear a further hardship, and when the position was reviewed at a meeting of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, it was decided to wait on the Government and "point out the iniquity of such a measure.” “If it is to save an industry in the country,” remarked Air. Conway, “it is up to the Government to do it themselves.”

Mr. L. 11. Collinson was of the opinion that the Government should compensate the farmers, while Mr. J. Linklater, M.P., held that the farmers had enough hardships at the present time. Following a general discussion a deputation was formed to wait upon the Prime Minister and the Minister for Agriculture relative to the rnatter.