CALIFORNIAN THISTLE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 302, 15 September 1908, Page 3

CALIFORNIAN THISTLE.

MEANS OF CHECKING ITS SPREAD. Representatives of eight or nine different Wellington firms of seed importers were introduced to the Hon. K. M'Nab (Minister for Agriculture) yesterday by Mr. Fisher, M.P. They wished to speak of the Agricultural Prodtico Sale and Importation Bill and its probable effect on the seed trade. The Bill has passed the Lower House, and is awaiting tho consideration of the Legislative Council. , Mr. G. Shirtcliffo (A. S. Paterson and Co,) said tho penal clause would apparently hamper very seriously the importation of certain farm seeds into New Zealand. The merchants could not possibly guarantee that all consignments would be absolutely free from the seeds of the Californian thistle. This applied especially to largo lots, such as a 50-ton consignment of clover seed. One might take twelve good samples and find the thirteenth affccted. Tho deputation had no definite suggestion to make. They had not had time to formulate one, but they thought tho Bill might bo postponed until tho Wellington merchants had had time to communicate with those in other centres. The Minister suggested that the deputation, should place their views before the Stock Committee of tho Legislative Council. Mr. Shirtcliffo: I think that would suit us admirably. 1 ' The Minister: You don't object to a measure for protecting fanners? - Mr. Shirtcliffe: Certainly not. Tho Minister suggested that provision might be made for clearing consignments of seed that -Were proved to be affected, so as to avoid the necessity for condemning the whole lot. Mr. A. H. Miles (Murray, Roberts, and Co.) pointed out that the merchants also desired protection against farmers who sold them seeds containing noxious weeds. They really wanted a few days to consider tho whole matter. Mr. Gibbons (H. C. Gibbons and Co.) welcomed the Minister's suggestion that a clause should be embodied in the Bill to provide for the cleaning of affected seeds. The Minister said he would make representations in- the proper quarter with a view to having the Bill referred by the Legislative Council to its Stock Committee, and he would undertako. to say that it would not bo dealt with before next Friday. He recognised that if the Bill was to be'a success the responsibility must be eventually put back on the farmer. • The Government had lately spent £500 in buying chaff which had been sent into • the Taranaki - district, in order that the dissemination of the Californian thistle might be prevented. .He wanted the legislation to be passed this year, and he was anxious , that the scheme should be workablo. 1