GORSE AND BLACKBERRY

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18917, 4 February 1927, Page 13

GORSE AND BLACKBERRY

TO THE EDtTOR 01? THE TRESS. jjir —I see in Tub Piiess of January 27th a very interesting article, giving the report of Dr. Tillyard. on the control of noxious weeds in New Zealand. It is very gratifying to think that some of us unfortunate oues, who have been left a legacy of gorse or blackberry, or both, can now look forward to tho time when this burden will to some exteut be lifted from our shoulders. I am, however, much disappointed, as I am .sure many others will be, to read that it is only proposed to prevent the gorse from seeding. \\hy not kill it right out!-" It is costing many farmers hundreds of pounds annually for grubbing, and it is also one of the very best harbours for the rabbit. Possibly those people who have gorse hedges might object. Hut there are other plants besides gorse that will make a good hedge, which would not !>c a menace to those people with hill country—| say "hill country" because, on the fiats, where one can plough, gorse is easily prevented from spreading. On the" hills, on the contrary, hundreds' of acres of what would otherwise 1* -_;ood grr.zins hill- fire at present entirely given over to uor*e. Grubbing is only a costly palliative, and the plouzl; "alone can eradicate. Personally. I .., M - cr l lare sheep which have been running on p.r»<> country, or between L'orse hedgos. a< the -eel is carried in the wool rud diopped all over the place. On drv hil| country Mich a< one see- in North Canterbury. I consider corse a far greater menace than tho M:;ckherrr. Moping that other* mav j ;1 i ;i , - f j,j s matter up. and thank>'>.£ you. Sir. lor vour valuable space. —Your*, "if .- , o , GORSE. J-cbruary 3td.