HOBBIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1919, Page 3

HOBBIES.

To the Editor. Sir, —'Tis said all people should have a hobby. Some like golf, some like bowls, but I have chosen something uncommon and find it very fascinating. It is, nothing but watching noxious weeds grow. My business takes me through the northern. Taranaki districts, and, i am pleased to say, that bit of road, from Uruti to Waitara lends itself admirably to anyone who would like to take up this fascinating study. Five years ago this road was pretty clear; now, I have no trouble, just drop into any paddock,, and if I can't And the lovely ragwort it is a moral I can find its great friend, Mr. Blackberry. But latterly, owing to their being so common I have turned my attention to that line and vigorous grower, the Californian thistle. It was just about five years ago when I saw a few fine specimens on the triangular paddock, near the Maori pa, north of Urenui. They were growing nicely, and I was a bit disappointed one day, when I was passing, to see a car on the side of road, and two gentlemen inspecting some of jmy new favorites. I naturally thought, here goes; but am glad to say they did not cut them down and to-day the whole paddock is covered with as fine a lot of plants in full seed as one would wish to study. I am rather pleased to notice the paddock is being used as an accommodation paddock for sheep, so that it won't be very long before we have this very interesting plant distributed from the Smart road to Awakino. Now, as my time is somewhat limited, I should be happy to see the Clifton County Council take this hobby up. I can assure them it would be time well spent.—l am, etc., PROFESSOR.