NOXIOUS WEEDS.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXV, Issue 2126, 29 January 1909, Page 5

NOXIOUS WEEDS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir.—l should like to call the attenion of readers of your valuable paper to the careless manner in which some of the settlers in this district "farm '.Noxious weeds." I have travelled over the greater part of the. South Island, and I consider tiic "Californian thistle" is spreading at such a tremendous rate that before a decade is passed the greater part of this beautiful island will become a pre}' to its ravages. Some farmers are very careful to do their best to check its progress, but others are so. indifferent that nothing— not oven the severest penalties of the law—will rouse thorn to protect their own interests. In most districts I believe you will iind some men of this class, but one of the most culpable who has come under my observation is to be found on Clydevalc. Last year Ido not think he cut a thistle except those that came in the way of the binder while doing its ordinary work, and this year, up to the present time, he is growing some of the best samples of seed to be found anywhere. The Inspector may happen' to discover the state of affairs and bring him to justice after thousands of acres of land are ruined. The line imposed may be less than the expense of cutting, and so the same thing goes on year by year. The rabbits too are a pest and a man may do his best in some seasons without much success, but with persistent effort these can be eradicated, while the thistle has come to stay, and is far the more serious evil of the two. So long as a man does his best with the rabbits, Ido not think there is much to fcaa - , and the day may nofbe far distant when tfhey) will be completely -wiped out. With '■' Noxious Weeds" it is different. Every farmer knows when his weals should be cut, and I think that the Inspector should be very exacting in cases of carelessness, and when he fails to cure the offender, some more dr'astic measures should be taken. I am etc., NOXIOUS WEEDS. 27th'January, 190!).