Nassella Control Pioneer Resigns

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31018, 25 March 1966, Page 8

Nassella Control Pioneer Resigns

The resignation of Mr J. W. Earl, a prominent and often controversial figure in the early days of nassella tussock control, was received with regret at a meeting yesterday of the North Canterbury Nassella Tussock Board.

Mr Earl was first chairman of the board, and latterly has been a co-opted member. The board decided to honour him at a complimentary dinner after its meeting next month. In his letter of resignation. Mr Earl said the decision had been forced on him with regret, because of his health.

He said he had been connected with nassella control for 25 years, both on the board since its formation in 1946, and on the two committees which preceded it. Mr Earl said he appreciated the help given to him by members in the “early, critical years,” when the board’s functions were not well understood, and finance was not readily available. So many things had happened between 1940, when the Omlhi-Scargill Young Farmers' Club had called a meeting to discuss nassella, and the present day, when the Government was farming thousands of acres.

Much had been achieved, but because of the nature and breadth of the problem, it was natural that there had been differences of opinion, said Mr Earl.

Over the years, he had held definite opinions and had expressed them, perhaps, in no uncertain terms, but he would have failed in his duty had he not done so.

“We have no option but to accept Mr Earl’s resignation with regret,” said the chairman (Mr T. G. Maxwell). “There is no doubt that his

early appreciation of the menace of nassella, and his persistence in the early years when others were not willing to recognise it, had a large bearing on the position in which the board finds itself today.” Other members praised the work done by Mr Earl, and the board placed on record its appreciation of his services.