WAR ON WEEDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 157, 23 September 1927, Page 14

WAR ON WEEDS

POWERS FOR INSPECTORS AMENDMENT CRITICISED (THE SUN’S Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Thursday. fJ'HE Noxious Weeds Amendment Bill was greeted by a very mixed reception in the House of Representatives this evening when Opposition and Government members alike condemned the measure as one likely to ruin the farmers and drive them off their land. The suggestion was made that the Bill should be postponed till next year so that farmers themselves could be consulted as to what was really required to control weeds. It was feared by some members that inspectors appointed under the Act would become a greater pest than the Mr. W. H. Field, Otaki, said that whereas two years ago a £ 5 note woud have sufficed to eradicate weeds in certain districts this could not be done to-day for £SOO. Blame for this he laid on the shoulders of the Agriculture Department. Mr. Field was not alone in his criticism of the Government,, others suggesting a board to control weeds.

The Hon. O. J. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture, said the present Act was ineffective. The board suggested would not meet the position, but would prove a hardship to those who kept their properties clean. He knew of men who had willingly paid a small fine periodically and the department could not bring them to book. The new Bill allowed a great deal for the discretion of inspectors. The extra power was essential in order that legislation be administered effectively. “If farmers want us to control noxious weeds in this country," Mr. Hawken said, “they will have to give us the legislation and back up the department in its efforts. I believe that legislation in the past has had very little effect in checking the spread of noxious weeds. Control must be placed in the hands of departmental heads. I do not say we can destroy weeds over large areas, but there are many districts over which we can prevent the spread.” The Bill was read a second time and referred to the Agricultural, Pastoral and Stock Committee.